New Delhi: The growing menace of cybercrime, particularly digital arrests and online fraud, the Indian government has taken proactive measures to safeguard citizens.
Key Actions:
- Mobile Number Deactivation: Over six lakh mobile numbers linked to cybercrimes have been deactivated to disrupt the operations of fraudsters.
- App Blocking: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has identified and blocked 709 malicious mobile applications that pose a threat to user security.
- Device Blacklisting: Approximately 110,000 mobile handsets associated with cyber fraud have been blacklisted, rendering them inoperable.
- Bank Account Freezing: Around 3.25 lakh fake bank accounts implicated in cybercrime have been frozen to curb financial losses.
Prime Minister’s Appeal:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, emphasized the rising concern of digital arrests. He warned citizens about the tactics employed by cybercriminals to instill fear and manipulate victims into divulging sensitive information. The Prime Minister urged citizens to exercise caution and follow the mantra of “Ruko-Soch-Action Lo” (Stop-Think-Take Action) to protect themselves from falling prey to such fraudulent activities.
Government’s Coordinated Response:
To effectively address the issue, the I4C has extended its reach to state police agencies, fostering collaboration and coordination in investigating and preventing cybercrimes. The Special Secretary for Internal Security is overseeing the overall efforts to ensure a comprehensive and efficient response to these challenges.