Launch of Central Suspect Registry to Combat Cyber Crimes
Introduction
The Indian government has introduced initiatives to enhance data sharing between law enforcement and stakeholders to combat cybercrime. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has launched the Central Suspect Registry, Cyber Fraud Mitigation Center, Samanvay Platform and Cyber Commandos programme on the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) Foundation Day celebration took place on the 10th September 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The ‘Central Suspect Registry’ will serve as a central-level database with consolidated data on cybercrime suspects nationwide. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordinating Center will share a list of all repeat offenders on their servers. Shri Shah added that the Suspect Registry at the central level and connecting the states with it will help in the prevention of cybercrime.
Key Highlights of Central Suspect Registry
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has established the suspect registry in collaboration with banks and financial intermediaries to enhance fraud risk management in the financial ecosystem. The registry will serve as a central-level database with consolidated data on cybercrime suspects. Using data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), the registry makes it possible to identify cybercriminals as potential threats.
Central Suspect Registry Need of the Hour
The Union Home Minister of India, Shri Shah, has emphasized the need for a national Cyber Suspect Registry to combat cybercrime. He argued that having separate registries for each state would not be effective, as cybercriminals have no boundaries. He emphasized the importance of connecting states to this platform, stating it would significantly help prevent future cyber crimes.
CyberPeace Outlook
There has been an alarming uptick in cybercrimes in the country highlighting the need for proactive approaches to counter the emerging threats. The recently launched initiatives under the umbrella of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre will serve as significant steps taken by the centre to improve coordination between law enforcement agencies, strengthen user awareness, and offer technical capabilities to target cyber criminals and overall aim to combat the growing rate of cybercrime in the country.
References:
Related Blogs
Introduction
26th November 2024 marked a historical milestone for India as a Hyderabad-based space technology firm TakeMe2Space, announced the forthcoming launch of MOI-TD “(My Orbital Infrastructure - Technology Demonstrator)”, India's first AI lab in space. The mission will demonstrate real-time data processing in orbit, making space research more affordable and accessible according to the Company. The launch is scheduled for mid-December 2024 aboard the ISRO's PSLV C60 launch vehicle. It represents a transformative phase for innovation and exploration in India's AI and space technology integration space.
The Vision Behind the Initiative
The AI Laboratory in orbit is designed to enable autonomous decision-making, revolutionising satellite exploration and advancing cutting-edge space research. It signifies a major step toward establishing space-based data centres, paving the way for computing capabilities that will support a variety of applications.
While space-based data centres currently cost 10–15 times more than terrestrial alternatives, this initiative leverages high-intensity solar power in orbit to significantly reduce energy consumption. Training AI models in space could lower energy costs by up to 95% and cut carbon emissions by at least tenfold, even when factoring in launch emissions. It positions MOI-TD as an eco-friendly and cost-efficient solution.
Technological Innovations and Future Impact of AI in Space
This AI Laboratory, MOI-TD includes control software and hardware components, including reaction wheels, magnetometers, an advanced onboard computer, and an AI accelerator. The satellite also features flexible solar cells that could power future satellites. It will enable the processing of real-time space data, pattern recognition, and autonomous decision-making and address the latency issues, ensuring faster and more efficient data analysis, while the robust hardware designs tackle the challenges posed by radiation and extreme space environments. Advanced sensor integration will further enhance data collection, facilitating AI model training and validation.
These innovations drive key applications with transformative potential. It will allow users to access the satellite platform through OrbitLaw, a web-based console that will allow users to upload AI models to aid climate monitoring, disaster prediction, urban growth analysis and custom Earth observation use cases. TakeMe2Space has already partnered with a leading Malaysian university and an Indian school (grades 9 and 10) to showcase the satellite’s potential for democratizing space research.
Future Prospects and India’s Global Leadership in AI and Space Research
As per Stanford’s HAI Global AI Vibrancy rankings, India secured 4th place due to its R&D leadership, vibrant AI ecosystem, and public engagement for AI. This AI laboratory is a step further in advancing India’s role in the development of regulatory frameworks for ethical AI use, fostering robust public-private partnerships, and promoting international cooperation to establish global standards for AI applications.
Cost-effectiveness and technological exercise are some of India’s unique strengths and could position the country as a key player in the global AI and space research arena and draw favourable comparisons with initiatives by NASA, ESA, and private entities like SpaceX. By prioritising ethical and sustainable practices and fostering collaboration, India can lead in shaping the future of AI-driven space exploration.
Conclusion
India’s first AI laboratory in space, MOI-TD, represents a transformative milestone in integrating AI with space technology. This ambitious project promises to advance autonomous decision-making, enhance satellite exploration, and democratise space research. Additionally, factors such as data security, fostering international collaboration and ensuring sustainability should be taken into account while fostering such innovations. With this, India can establish itself as a leader in space research and AI innovation, setting new global standards while inspiring a future where technology expands humanity’s frontiers and enriches life on Earth.
References
- https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/start-up-to-launch-ai-lab-in-space-in-december/2017534
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/startups/spacetech-startup-takeme2space-to-launch-ai-lab-in-space-in-december/articleshow/115701888.cms?from=mdr
- https://www.ibm.com/think/news/data-centers-space
- https://cio.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/next-gen-technologies/spacetech-startup-takeme2space-to-launch-ai-lab-in-space-in-december/115718230
.webp)
Introduction
As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) ‘Cyber Crime In India Report 2022’, A total of 65,893 cases were registered under Cyber Crimes, showing an increase of 24.4% in registration in comparison to 52,974 cases registered in 2021. The crime rate increased from 3.9 in 2021 to 4.8 in 2022. During 2022, 64.8% of cyber-crime cases registered were for the motive of fraud (42,710 out of 65,893 cases), followed by Extortion with 5.5% (3,648 cases) and Sexual Exploitation with 5.2% (3,434 cases). The statistics released by NCRB show the increased rate of cyber crimes in the country, which poses a significant question of safety in the online world. The rise in cybercrime indicates a rise in emerging criminal groups with malicious intentions, creating new cybercrime hotspots in the country where these groups target and commit cyber crimes despite limited resources.
Cyber Crime Hotspots
Police have recently arrested several cyber criminals in a specific region, indicating that certain areas have become hotspots for cybercrime. Mewat region is one such hotspot indicating a growing trend of cybercrime operating from this area. The Mewat gang's modus operandi is quite different; Cybercriminals in Mewat scam mobile owners just using smartphones and SIM cards without kingpins and targeting mobile owners. The scammers also lure people through online marketplaces such as OLX, in which they pretend to sell possessions and then either physically lure victims to pick-up locations or scam them virtually.
A study conducted by Future Crime Research Foundation and IIT Kanpur in 2023 has revealed that Jamatara city, once considered the cyber crime capital of India, is no longer the epicentre. The study found that 35 hotspots in India are actively involved in cybercrime activities. The top 10 cybercrime hotspots in India collectively account for 80% of cybercrime-related cases in India. These districts are strategically located near India's capital or closer to the National Capital Region (NCR). These districts are strategically placed with multiple borders, making them easy targets for criminals.
Online financial fraud and social media-related crimes are the most common in India. Cybercriminals exploit data as a gold mine, using it to commit crimes. For instance, they can obtain banking and insurance data, use simple AI tools to cheat victims, and they can easily impersonate identities to lure innocent people. In cybercrime hotspots, sextortion is a modern way for cybercriminals to record and demand money. Loan app fraud, OLX fraud, and job fraud also originate from these specific regions.
Recommendations
To counter the challenges posed by emerging cybercrime hubs, the following recommendations are to be considered:
- Advanced threat Intelligence: The digital landscape is evolving, and the threat landscape is becoming more complex. AI's role in cybersecurity is becoming increasingly critical, both positively and negatively, as it helps in understanding and addressing advanced threats. AI is capable of proactive threat hunting, real-time anomaly detection, and swift incident response.
- Enhancing capabilities of Law Enforcement Agencies: Law enforcement agencies must be sensitised to advanced tools or techniques to investigate cyber crime cases effectively. The development and implementation of advanced forensic tools and technologies need to be utilised or implemented to keep up with the evolving tactics of cybercrime perpetrators.
- Continuous Monitoring: Continuous cybersecurity monitoring is crucial for detecting anomalies and preventing cyber-attacks. It involves analysing systems and data to establish baseline security, identify deviations, and investigate potential threats. Cybersecurity experts use data observability tools, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to detect unexpected dataset changes.
- Cyber Security Awareness: Public awareness needs to be higher. Cybercrime prevention and cybersecurity is a shared responsibility of all of us by being aware of the threats and following the best practices. The frequent interaction between law enforcement and the public is necessary to raise awareness about safeguarding personal and financial information. Effective campaigns on cyber security are necessary to educate netizens.
Safety Tips for Netizens
Install up-to-date security software and firewalls on devices, use strong passwords for accounts, and regularly update software and applications. Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources, and be cautious of your personal information.
Conclusion
The rise of Cyber Crime Hotspots in specific regions or districts has significantly exacerbated the issue of increasing cybercrime rates. In order to combat cybercrime more effectively, it is necessary for law enforcement agencies to strengthen their coordination between different states and to adapt advanced technology methods to counter cybercrime threats effectively. Moreover, educating netizens about cyber crime threats and providing best practices is an effective method to counter these threats, considered the first line of defense against cybercrime.
References
- https://ncrb.gov.in/uploads/nationalcrimerecordsbureau/custom/1701607577CrimeinIndia2022Book1.pdf
- https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/no-kingpins-just-a-smartphone-and-sim-card-how-cybercriminals-in-mewat-scam-mobile-owners/articleshow/98062889.cms?from=mdr
- https://www.futurecrime.org/fcrf-cyber-crime-survey-2023
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/jamtara-loses-crown-as-new-remote-districts-rewrite-indias-cybercrime-map/articleshow/104475868.cms?from=mdr
- https://government.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/secure-india/80-of-cyber-crimes-from-10-new-districts-iit-report/103921338
- https://www.dw.com/en/how-mewat-became-indias-new-hub-for-cyber-criminals/video-68674527
- https://www.indiatoday.in/from-india-today-magazine/story/into-cybercrime-hotspot-india-mewat-rajasthan-haryana-uttar-pradesh-2381545-2023-05-19
- https://frontline.thehindu.com/the-nation/spotlight-how-nuh-district-in-haryana-became-a-breeding-ground-for-cybercriminals/article67098193.ece
- https://www.opindia.com/2024/04/nuh-mewat-cyber-crime-haryana-police-crackdown/#google_vignette
.webp)
Introduction
India's Competition Commission of India (CCI) on 18th November 2024 imposed a ₹213 crore penalty on Meta for abusing its dominant position in internet-based messaging through WhatsApp and online display advertising. The CCI order is passed against abuse of dominance by the Meta and relates to WhatsApp’s 2021 Privacy Policy. The CCI considers Meta a dominant player in internet-based messaging through WhatsApp and also in online display advertising. WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update undermined users' ability to opt out of getting their data shared with the group's social media platform Facebook. The CCI directed WhatsApp not to share user data collected on its platform with other Meta companies or products for advertising purposes for five years.
CCI Contentions
The regulator contended that for purposes other than advertising, WhatsApp's policy should include a detailed explanation of the user data shared with other Meta group companies or products specifying the purpose. The regulator also stated that sharing user data collected on WhatsApp with other Meta companies or products for purposes other than providing WhatsApp services should not be a condition for users to access WhatsApp services in India. CCI order is significant as it upholds user consent as a key principle in the functioning of social media giants, similar to the measures taken by some other markets.
Meta’s Stance
WhatsApp parent company Meta has expressed its disagreement with the Competition Commission of India's(CCI) decision to impose a Rs 213 crore penalty on them over users' privacy concerns. Meta clarified that the 2021 update did not change the privacy of people's personal messages and was offered as a choice for users at the time. It also ensured no one would have their accounts deleted or lose functionality of the WhatsApp service because of this update.
Meta clarified that the update was about introducing optional business features on WhatsApp and providing further transparency about how they collect data. The company stated that WhatsApp has been incredibly valuable to people and businesses, enabling organization's and government institutions to deliver citizen services through COVID and beyond and supporting small businesses, all of which further the Indian economy. Meta plans to find a path forward that allows them to continue providing the experiences that "people and businesses have come to expect" from them. The CCI issued cease-and-desist directions and directed Meta and WhatsApp to implement certain behavioral remedies within a defined timeline.
The competition watchdog noted that WhatsApp's 2021 policy update made it mandatory for users to accept the new terms, including data sharing with Meta, and removed the earlier option to opt-out, categorized as an "unfair condition" under the Competition Act. It was further noted that WhatsApp’s sharing of users’ business transaction information with Meta gave the group entities an unfair advantage over competing platforms.
CyberPeace Outlook
The 2021 policy update by WhatsApp mandated data sharing with Meta's other companies group, removing the opt-out option and compelling users to accept the terms to continue using the platform. This policy undermined user autonomy and was deemed as an abuse of Meta's dominant market position, violating Section 4(2)(a)(i) of the Competition Act, as noted by CCI.
The CCI’s ruling requires WhatsApp to offer all users in India, including those who had accepted the 2021 update, the ability to manage their data-sharing preferences through a clear and prominent opt-out option within the app. This decision underscores the importance of user choice, informed consent, and transparency in digital data policies.
By addressing the coercive nature of the policy, the CCI ruling establishes a significant legal precedent for safeguarding user privacy and promoting fair competition. It highlights the growing acknowledgement of privacy as a fundamental right and reinforces the accountability of tech giants to respect user autonomy and market fairness. The directive mandates that data sharing within the Meta ecosystem must be based on user consent, with the option to decline such sharing without losing access to essential services.
References
