A Fireside Chat on Digital Policy and Responsible Communication
On December 1st, 2025, Shiv Nadar School, Gurgaon, had the distinct privilege of hosting a fireside chat featuring Ms. Courtney Cooper, Global Policy Director at WhatsApp. The session was facilitated by Ms. Priya Sreenivasa, Head of Policy at WhatsApp India, and was attended by Grade 11 students from both the NC and IC curricula.
A Deep Dive into Digital Citizenship The session was designed to help young learners navigate the complex social, ethical, and policy dimensions of digital communication. Drawing from her extensive background in public policy and national security, Ms. Cooper provided a fascinating look into how private communication technologies shape modern societies. She emphasized the profound responsibilities that accompany digital access and unpacked evolving challenges such as privacy, safety, and the spread of misinformation.
Balancing Rights and Safety A key highlight of the talk was the insight into how policy decisions are made within global technology ecosystems. Ms. Cooper explained that these decisions are not made in isolation but are informed by a diverse range of stakeholders—including governments, researchers, civil society, and users. She illustrated why balancing individual rights with collective protections remains a central challenge in the tech world.
Building Resilience, Not Fear Guided thoughtfully by Ms. Sreenivasa, the conversation encouraged students to think critically about the information they encounter online. The dialogue shifted the focus from fear to awareness, stressing the importance of digital resilience. Students were urged to cultivate judgment, empathy, and ethical thinking to become responsible digital citizens.
Student Engagement The event concluded with a vibrant Q&A session. Students engaged actively, posing perceptive questions on topics ranging from online safety and privacy to career pathways in technology and public policy.
The discussion resonated deeply with the school’s commitment to fostering digital citizenship and critical thinking, empowering our students to participate informatively in a connected world.
