Fake Profiles Wreak Havoc
Introduction
In India, the population of girls and adolescents is 253 million, as per the UNICEF report, and the sex ratio at birth is 929 per 1000 male children as of 2023. Cyberspace has massively influenced the daily aspects of our lives, and hence the safety aspect of cyberspace cannot be ignored any more. The social media platforms play a massive role in information dissemination and sharing. The data trail created by the use of such platforms is often used by cyber criminals to target innocent girls and children.
On Ground Stats
Of the six million crimes police in India recorded between 1 January and 31 December last year, 428,278 cases involved crimes against women. It’s a rise of 26.35% over six years – from 338,954 cases in 2016. A majority of the cases in 2021, the report said, were of kidnappings and abduction, rapes, domestic violence, dowry deaths and assaults. Also, 107 women were attacked with acid, 1,580 women were trafficked, 15 girls were sold, and 2,668 were victims of cybercrimes. With more than 56,000 cases, the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, which is India’s most populous with 240 million people, once again topped the list. Rajasthan followed it with 40,738 cases and Maharashtra with 39,526 cases. This shows the root of the problem and how deep this menace goes in our society. With various campaigns and initiatives by Government and the CSO, awareness is on the rise, but still, we need a robust prevention mechanism to address this issue critically.
Influence of Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter were created to bring people closer by eliminating geographical boundaries, which is strengthened by the massive internet connectivity network across the globe. Throughout 2022, on average, there are about 470.1 million active social media users in India on a monthly basis, with an annual growth rate of 4.2 % in 2021-22. This represents about 33.4 % of the total population. These social media users, on average, spend about 2.6 hours on social media, and each, on average, has accounts on 8.6 platforms.
The bad actors have also upskilled themselves and are now using these social platforms to commit cybercrimes. Some of these crimes against girls and women include – Impersonation, Identity theft, Cyberstalking, Cyber-Enabled human trafficking and many more. These crimes are on the rise post-pandemic, and instances of people using fake IDs to lure young girls into their traps are being reported daily. One such instance is when Imran Mansoori created an Instagram account in the name of Rahul Gujjar, username: rahul_gujjar_9010. Using social engineering and scoping out the vulnerabilities, he trapped a minor girl in a relationship & took her to a hotel in Moradabad. The hotel manager raised the suspicion of seeing a different ID & called the Police, Imran was then arrested. But many such crimes go unreported, and it is essential for all stakeholders to create a safeguard regarding girls’ and women’s safety.
Legal Remedies at our disposal
The Indian Legal system has been evolving with time towards the online safety of girls and women. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the National Commission for Women (NCW) have worked tirelessly to safeguard girls and women to create a wholesome, safe, secure environment. The Information Technology Act governs cyberspace and its associated rights and duties. The following provisions of the IT Act are focused towards safeguarding the rights –
- Violation of privacy – Section 66E
- Obscene material – Section 67
- Pornography & sexually explicit act – Section 67A
- Child pornography – Section 67B
- Intermediaries due diligence rules – Section 79
Apart from these provisions, acts like POCSO, IPC, and CrPC, draft the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, Intermediary Guidelines on Social Media and Online Gaming and telecommunications bill.
Conclusion
The likelihood of becoming a victim of cybercrime is always growing due to increased traffic in the virtual world, which is especially true for women who are frequently viewed as easy targets. The types of cyber crimes that target women have grown, and the trend has not stopped in India. Cyber flaming, cyber eve-teasing, cyber flirting, and internet cheating are some new-generation crimes that are worth mentioning here. In India, women tend to be reluctant to speak up about issues out of concern that doing so might damage their reputations permanently. Without being fully aware of the dangers of the internet, women grow more susceptible the more time they spend online. Women should be more alert to protect themselves from targeted online attacks.
Related Blogs
Introduction
Google is committed to supporting the upcoming elections in India by providing high-quality information to voters, safeguarding platforms from abuse, and helping people navigate AI-generated content. Google will connect voters to helpful information through enhanced features, collaborating with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to provide voting information in both English and Hindi. Emphasis is also placed on showcasing authoritative information on YouTube. YouTube will highlight authoritative news sources and offer context on topics prone to misinformation. YouTube also appends information panels directing viewers to the Election Commission of India's FAQs. This support will help millions of eligible voters navigate the electoral process and ensure a fair and transparent election process.
Key Highlights of Google’s Approach
The step taken by Google will support the democratic process during the upcoming General Election in India. The initiative focuses on three main pillars: disseminating information, tackling misinformation, and navigating AI-generated content. Google is enhancing its Search and YouTube features to provide essential election-related information, including voter registration, polling guidelines, and candidate profiles. Google is also addressing the challenges posed by AI-generated content by offering clarity on content origins, particularly for election-related ads and YouTube videos. Google has strict policies and restrictions regarding who can run election-related advertising on its platforms, including identity verification, pre-certificates, and in-ad disclosures. Additionally, Google is utilising tools and policies like Ads disclosures, content labels on YouTube, and digital watermarking to help users to identify AI-generated content.
Google has joined hands with ECI
The tech giant Google is partnering with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to provide voting information on Google Search in both English and Hindi. YouTube will feature election information panels, including candidate profiles and registration guidelines, ensuring users have access to authoritative sources. Google's recommendation system will display content from trusted publishers on election-related topics. Protecting the integrity of elections is a top priority, and the company is employing advanced AI models and machine learning techniques to identify and remove content that violates its policies at scale. A dedicated team of local experts across major Indian languages is assigned to provide relevant context and ensure swift action against emerging threats. Google is also tightening up who can advertise on its platforms, requiring advertisers to undergo an identity verification process and obtain a pre-certificate from the ECI or authorised entities for each election ad they wish to run.
Tackling Electoral Misinformation
Google is enhancing its platform security measures to prevent misinformation. It is using AI models and human expertise to identify and address policy violations, while stringent verification processes and disclosures are being implemented to maintain user trust.
Collaborations to promote reliable information
Google is supporting the Shakti, India Election Fact-Checking Collective, a consortium of news publishers and fact checkers to detect online misinformation, including deepfakes. The project will provide news entities and fact checkers with essential training in fact-checking methodologies, deepfake detection, and the latest Google tools to streamline verification processes, as stated in Google’s blog post.
Conclusion
Google has taken proactive steps to ensure a secure electoral process during the upcoming general elections in India. These include preventing the misuse of false information by helping voters navigate AI-generated content and safeguarding its platforms from abuse. Google India has built faster and more adaptable enforcement systems with recent advances in its Large Language Models (LLMs), enabling the company to remain nimble and take action quickly when new threats emerge. Google is dedicated to collaborating with government, industry, and civil society to provide voters with reliable and trustworthy online information. Google is implementing a comprehensive strategy to empower voters, safeguard its platforms, and combat misinformation in India's upcoming general elections. Google’s step is commendable and aims to ensure a secure electoral process, empowering millions of citizens to exercise their democratic rights.
References:
- https://blog.google/intl/en-in/company-news/outreach-initiatives/supporting-the-2024-indian-general-election/
- https://inc42.com/buzz/following-gemini-row-google-strengthens-checks-on-ai-generated-content-before-elections/#:~:text=In%20an%20effort%20to%20ensure,safeguarding%20its%20platforms%20from%20abuse
- https://www.indiatvnews.com/technology/news/google-introduces-enhanced-tools-for-supporting-elections-in-india-2024-03-12-921096
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/google-ties-up-with-eci-to-prevent-spread-of-false-information/articleshow/108431021.cms?from=mdr
- https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/google-joins-hands-with-election-commission-of-india-to-help-voters-via-search-youtube-421112-2024-03-12
- https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/google-2024-general-elections-support-9209588/
Introduction
The world has been surfing the wave of technological advancements and innovations for the past decade, and it all pins down to one device – our mobile phone. For all mobile users, the primary choices of operating systems are Android and iOS. Android is an OS created by google in 2008 and is supported by most brands like – One+, Mi, OPPO, VIVO, Motorola, and many more and is one of the most used operating systems. iOS is an OS that was developed by Apple and was introduced in their first phone – The iPhone, in 2007. Both OS came into existence when mobile phone penetration was slow globally, and so the scope of expansion and advancements was always in favor of such operating systems.
The Evolution
iOS
Ever since the advent of the iPhone, iOS has seen many changes since 2007. The current version of iOs is iOS 16. However, in the course of creating new iOS and updating the old ones, Apple has come out with various advancements like the App Store, Touch ID & Face ID, Apple Music, Podcasts, Augmented reality, Contact exposure, and many more, which have later become part of features of Android phone as well. Apple is one of the oldest tech and gadget developers in the world, most of the devices manufactured by Apple have received global recognition, and hence Apple enjoys providing services to a huge global user base.
Android
The OS has been famous for using the software version names on the food items like – Pie, Oreo, Nougat, KitKat, Eclairs, etc. From Android 10 onwards, the new versions were demoted by number. The most recent Android OS is Android 13; this OS is known for its practicality and flexibility. In 2012 Android became the most popular operating system for mobile devices, surpassing Apple’s iOS, and as of 2020, about 75 percent of mobile devices run Android.
Android vs. iOS
1. USER INTERFACE
One of the most noticeable differences between Android and iPhone is their user interface. Android devices have a more customizable interface, with options to change the home screen, app icons, and overall theme. The iPhone, on the other hand, has a more uniform interface with less room for customization. Android allows users to customize their home screen by adding widgets and changing the layout of their app icons. This can be useful for people who want quick access to certain functions or information on their home screen. IOS does not have this feature, but it does allow users to organize their app icons into folders for easier navigation.
2. APP SELECTION
Another factor to consider when choosing between Android and iOS is the app selection. Both platforms have a wide range of apps available, but there are some differences to consider. Android has a larger selection of apps overall, including a larger selection of free apps. However, some popular apps, such as certain music streaming apps and games, may be released first or only available on iPhone. iOS also has a more curated app store, meaning that all apps must go through a review process before being accepted for download. This can result in a higher quality of apps overall, but it can also mean that it takes longer for new apps to become available on the platform. iPhone devices tend to have less processing power and RAM. But they are generally more efficient in their use of resources. This can result in longer battery life, but it may also mean that iPhones are slower at handling multiple tasks or running resource-intensive apps.
3. PERFORMANCE
When it comes to performance, both Android and iPhone have their own strengths and weaknesses. Android devices tend to have more processing power and RAM. This can make them faster and more capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously. However, this can also lead to Android devices having shorter battery life compared to iPhones.
4. SECURITY
Security is an important consideration for any smartphone user, and Android and iPhone have their own measures to protect user data. Android devices are generally seen as being less secure than iPhones due to their open nature. Android allows users to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store, which can increase the risk of downloading malicious apps. However, Android has made improvements in recent years to address this issue. Including the introduction of Google Play Protect, which scans apps for malware before they are downloaded. On the other hand, iPhone devices have a more closed ecosystem, with all apps required to go through Apple‘s review process before being available for download. This helps reduce the risk of downloading malicious apps, but it can also limit the platform’s flexibility.
Conclusion
The debate about the better OS has been going on for some time now, and it looks like it will get more comprehensive in the times to come, as netizens go deeper into cyberspace, they will get more aware and critical of their uses and demands, which will allow them to opt for the best OS for their convenience. Although the Andriod OS, due to its integration, stands more vulnerable to security threats as compared to iOS, no software is secure in today’s time, what is secure is its use and application hence the netizen and the platforms need to increase their awareness and knowledge to safeguard themselves and the wholesome cyberspace.
Introduction
In the digital era, where technology is growing rapidly, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been making its way to different corners of the world. Where nothing seems to be impossible, technology and innovation have been moving conjointly and once again, and such innovation is in the limelight with its groundbreaking initiative known as “Project Groot”, which has been announced by the AI chip leader “Nvidia”. The core of this project is the fusion of technology with AI and robotics, where a humanoid can be produced with the capability to understand the natural language and interact with it to further learn from the physical environment by observing human actions and skills. Project Groot aims to assist humans in diverse sectors such as Healthcare and so on.
Humanoid robots are based on NVIDIA’s thor system-on-chip (SoC). The thor powers the intelligence of these robots, and the chip has been designed to handle complex tasks and ensure a safe and natural interaction between humans and robots. However, a big question arises about the ethical considerations of privacy, autonomy and the possible replacement of human workers.
Brief Analysis
Nvidia has announced Project GR00T, or Generalist Robot 00 Technology, which aims to create AI-powered humanoid robots with human-like understanding and movement. The project is part of Nvidia's efforts to drive breakthroughs in robotics and embodied AI, which can interact with and learn from a physical environment. The robots built on this platform are designed to understand natural language and emulate movements by observing human actions, such as coordination, dexterity, and other skills.
The model has been trained on NVIDIA GPU-accelerated simulation, enabling the robots to learn from human demonstrations with imitation learning and from the robotics platform NVIDIA Isaac Lab for reinforcement learning. This multimodal AI system acts as the mind for humanoid robots, allowing them to learn new skills and interact with the real world. Leading names in robotics, such as Figure, Boston Dynamics, Apptronik, Agility Robotics, Sanctuary AI, and Unitree, are reported to have collaborated with Nvidia to leverage GR00T.
Nvidia has also updated Isaac with Isaac Manipulator and Isaac Perceptor, which add multi-camera 3D vision. The company also unveiled a new computer, Jetson Thor, to aid humanoid robots based on NVIDIA's SoC, which is designed to handle complex tasks and ensure a safe and natural interaction between humans and robots.
Despite the potential job loss associated with humanoid robots potentially handling hazardous and repetitive tasks, many argue that they can aid humans and make their lives more comfortable rather than replacing them.
Policy Recommendations
The Nvidia project highlights a significant development in AI Robotics, presenting a brimming potential and ethical challenges critical for the overall development and smooth assimilation of AI-driven tech in society. To ensure its smooth assimilation, a comprehensive policy framework must be put in place. This includes:
- Human First Policy - Emphasis should be on better augmentation rather than replacement. The authorities must focus on better research and development (R&D) of applications that aid in modifying human capabilities, enhancing working conditions, and playing a role in societal growth.
- Proper Ethical Guidelines - Guidelines stressing human safety, autonomy and privacy should be established. These norms must include consent for data collection, fair use of AI in decision making and proper protocols for data security.
- Deployment of Inclusive Technology - Access to AI Driven Robotics tech should be made available to diverse sectors of society. It is imperative to address potential algorithm bias and design flaws to avoid discrimination and promote inclusivity.
- Proper Regulatory Frameworks - It is crucial to establish regulatory frameworks to govern the smooth deployment and operation of AI-driven tech. The framework must include certification for safety and standards, frequent audits and liability protocols to address accidents.
- Training Initiatives - Educational programs should be introduced to train the workforce for integrating AI driven robotics and their proper handling. Upskilling of the workforce should be the top priority of corporations to ensure effective integration of AI Robotics.
- Collaborative Research Initiatives - AI and emerging technologies have a profound impact on the trajectory of human development. It is imperative to foster collaboration among governments, industry and academia to drive innovation in AI robotics responsibly and undertake collaborative initiatives to mitigate and address technical, societal, legal and ethical issues posed by AI Robots.
Conclusion
On the whole, Project GROOT is a significant quantum leap in the advancement of robotic technology and indeed paves the way for a future where robots can integrate seamlessly into various aspects of human lives.
References
- https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/what-is-nvidias-project-gr00t-impact-robotics-9225089/
- https://medium.com/paper-explanation/understanding-nvidias-project-groot-762d4246b76d
- https://www.techradar.com/pro/nvidias-project-groot-brings-the-human-robot-future-a-significant-step-closer
- https://www.barrons.com/livecoverage/nvidia-gtc-ai-conference/card/nvidia-announces-ai-model-for-humanoid-robot-development-BwT9fewMyD6XbuBrEDSp
