India Mobilises Cyber Crime Volunteers Nationwide

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs, along with various State governments, has initiated a programme that enlists approximately 54,800 cyber crime volunteers to identify and report unlawful content online. This initiative stems from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). The programme aims to enhance public participation in maintaining cybersecurity and protecting the integrity of the nation.

Overview of the Cyber Volunteer Framework

The Cyber Volunteer Framework allows citizens to become involved in the fight against cybercrime. Volunteers can report unlawful content, promote cyber hygiene, and serve as experts to assist law enforcement. The I4C has successfully enrolled 54,833 volunteers, comprising 22,942 individuals focused on reporting unlawful content, 22,071 awareness promoters, and 9,819 experts in the field.

Criticism from Digital Liberties Organisations

The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), a prominent digital rights organisation, has raised concerns about the potential negative implications of this initiative. They argue that it may encourage a culture of surveillance and suspicion among citizens, thereby undermining social trust. Such criticism marks the delicate balance between security measures and personal freedoms in the digital age.

Case Study – G-20 Cyber Attacks

During the G-20 conference held in India, a student volunteer reported cyber threats targeting government websites. The volunteer, part of the I4C, noted that hackers attempted to deface government sites and disrupt services. This incident puts stress on the critical role that volunteers play in identifying and reporting cyber threats, particularly during national events.

Daily Operations of the Cyber Crime Portal

The cyber crime portal, linked to local police stations and banks, handles an average of 67,000 calls daily. Security agencies manage to identify between 1,500 and 2,000 fraudulent accounts each day. This high volume of activity illustrates the ongoing challenges posed by cyber criminals and the need for vigilant public participation.

Registration Process for Volunteers

Individuals interested in becoming cyber volunteers can register through the official portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in. The platform allows users to flag content deemed unlawful, which includes materials threatening national sovereignty, security, public order, communal harmony, and child exploitation.

Partnerships with Major Tech Companies

The I4C has collaborated with major tech companies, including Google and Facebook, to enhance the fight against cybercrime. These partnerships aim to improve the identification and reporting of organised investment crimes facilitated by online platforms. The Ministry’s report indicates that “big tech” has important role in proactively addressing cyber threats and sharing intelligence with law enforcement agencies.

1. I4C stands for Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.
2. The G-20 conference in 2023 faced organised cyber attacks.
3. The cyber crime portal receives approximately 67,000 calls daily.
4. Google and Facebook are partners in combating cyber crime.
5. Over 1,10,925 cybercrime complaints were filed from January to March 2024.

Cyber Crime Trends and Statistics

From January to March 2024, the I4C recorded a staggering number of cybercrime complaints. Notable platforms involved included WhatsApp, with 43,797 complaints, and Telegram, with 22,680 complaints. Other platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube also reported numbers of incidents. These statistics highlight the pervasive nature of cybercrime and the urgent need for community involvement in addressing these issues.

Key Facts on the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)

• The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) is a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) initiative to address cybercrime in India in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
• Established in 2020, it aims to:

1. • Tackle cybercrime issues for citizens.
   • Improve coordination among law enforcement agencies and stakeholders.
   • Enhance India’s capability to address cybercrime.
   • Improve citizen satisfaction regarding cybercrime handling.
2. Its roles include:
   • Strengthen security to combat cybercrime.
   • Coordinate efforts across stakeholders, including different jurisdictions.
   • Address the increasing volume of cybercrimes through better coordination and response mechanisms.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2025

Category: Defence Current Affairs