5G Networks: The Backbone of Future Cyber Battlefields
In the 21st century, wars are no longer confined to land, sea, and air. Rather, they are increasingly playing out across the digital domain, where effective dominance over networks, data, and communications determines who holds the upper hand. Among these, 5G networks are becoming a defining factor on modern battlefields. The ultra-low latency, massive bandwidth capability, and the ability to connect many devices at a single time are transforming the scale and level of military operations, intelligence, and logistics. This unprecedented connectivity is also met with a host of cybersecurity vulnerabilities that the governments and the militaries have to address.
As India faces a challenging security environment, the emergence of 5G presents both an opportunity and a dilemma. On one hand, it can enhance our command, control, surveillance and battlefield coordination. On the other hand, it also exposes the military and the security establishments to risks of espionage and supply chain vulnerabilities. So in this case, it will be important to strike a balance between innovation and security for turning 5G into a strength rather than a liability.
How can 5G networks be a military asset?
In comparison to its predecessors, 5G is not just about faster downloads. Rather, it is a complete overhaul of network architectures that are designed to support services and technologies according to modern technological requirements. In terms of military application of 5G networks, it can prove a series of game-changing capabilities, such as:-
- Enhanced Command and Control in the form of real-time data sharing between troops, UAVs, Radar systems and the Command Cells to ensure a faster and coordinated decision-making approach.
- Tactical Situational Awareness with the help of 5G-enabled devices can give soldiers instant updates on the terrain, troop movements, or positions and enemy movements.
- Advanced Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) with high-resolution sensors, radars and UAVs that can operate at their full potential by transmitting vast data streams with minimal legacy.
However, 5G networks can also help to become a key component of the communication component of the military command establishments that would allow machines, sensors and human operators to function as a single and integrated force.
Understanding the importance of 5G networks as the Double-Edged Swords of Connectivity-
The potential of 5G is undeniable, but its vulnerabilities cannot be ignored. Because they are software-driven and reliant on dense networks of small cells. For the military, this shows that adversaries could exploit their weaknesses to disrupt the communication, jam signals, and intercept sensitive data, leaving behind some key risks, such as;
- Cybersecurity threats from software-based architectures make 5G networks prone to malware and data breaches.
- Supply chain risks can arise from reliance on foreign hardware and software components with raising fears of embedded backdoors or compromised systems.
- Signal jamming and interface in terms of millimetre-wave spectrum, 5G signals are vulnerable to disruption in contested environments.
- There can also be insider threats and physical sabotage over personnel or unsecured installations that could compromise network integrity.
Securing the Backbone: Cyber Defence Imperatives
To safeguard 5G networks as the backbone for future warfare, the defence establishments need to adopt a layered, proactive cybersecurity strategy. Several measures can be considered, such as;
- Ensuring robust encryption and authentication to protect sensitive data, which requires the installation of advanced protocols like Subscription Concealed Identifiers and zero-trust frameworks to eliminate implicit trust.
- Investing in domestic R&D for 5G components to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. India’s adoption of the 5Gi standard is a step in this direction, but upgrading it into a military grade remains vital.
- To ensure collaboration across different sectors, the defence forces need to work with civilian agencies and private telecoms support providers to create unified standards and best practices.
Thus, with embedding cybersecurity into every layer of the 5G architecture, India can work in the direction to reduce risks to maintain its operational resilience.
The geopolitical domains of 5G Network as a tool of warfare-
The introduction of 5G networks has definitely come as a tool of technological advancement in the communication sector. But at the same time, it has also posed a geopolitical context as well. The strategic competition between the US and China to dominate the 5G infrastructure has global security implications. For India, aligning closely with either of the blocs will pose a risk to its strategic autonomy, but pursuing non-alignment can give India some leverage to develop its capability on its own.
In this case, partnerships with the QUAD with the US, Japan and Australia can open avenues for cooperating on shared standards, cost sharing, and interoperability in 5G-enabled military systems. Learning from countries like the US and Israel, which are developing their defence communication and network infrastructure to secure 5G networks, or revisiting existing frameworks like COMCASA or BECA with the US can serve as platforms to explore joint protocols for 5G networks.
Conclusion: Opportunities and the way forward-
The 5G network is becoming a part of the central nervous system of the future battlefields. It can offer immense opportunities for India to modernise its defence capabilities and enhance the situational awareness by integrating AI-driven systems. The future lies in adopting a balanced strategy by developing indigenous capabilities, forging trusted partnerships, embedding cybersecurity into every layer of the networking architecture and preparing a skilled workforce to analyse and counter evolving threats. However, by adopting a foresighted preparedness, India can turn the double-edged sword of 5G into a decisive advantage by ensuring that it not only adapts to the digital battlefield, rather India can also lead it.
References
- https://chanakyaforum.com/5g-poised-to-usher-in-a-paradigm-shift-in-military-communications
- https://www.ijert.org/secure-5g-network-architecture-for-armed-forces
- https://www.airforce-technology.com/sponsored/data-is-becoming-more-powerful-than-any-weaponry-on-the-battlefield-and-5g-is-the-backbone/
- https://www.upguard.com/blog/how-5g-technology-affects-cybersecurity
- https://agileblue.com/exploring-the-impact-of-5g-technology-on-cybersecurity-practices/
Related Blogs
In a recent ruling, a U.S. federal judge sided with Meta in a copyright lawsuit brought by a group of prominent authors who alleged that their works were illegally used to train Meta’s LLaMA language model. While this seems like a significant legal victory for the tech giant, it may not be so. Rather, this is a good case study for creators in the USA to refine their legal strategies and for policymakers worldwide to act quickly to shape the rules of engagement between AI and intellectual property.
The Case: Meta vs. Authors
In Kadrey v. Meta, the plaintiffs alleged that Meta trained its LLaMA models on pirated copies of their books, violating copyright law. However, U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria ruled that the authors failed to prove two critical things: that their copyrighted works had been used in a way that harmed their market and that such use was not “transformative.” In fact, the judge ruled that converting text into numerical representations to train an AI was sufficiently transformative under the U.S. fair use doctrine. He also noted that the authors’ failure to demonstrate economic harm undermined their claims. Importantly, he clarified that this ruling does not mean that all AI training data usage is lawful, only that the plaintiffs didn’t make a strong enough case.
Meta even admitted that some data was sourced from pirate sites like LibGen, but the Judge still found that fair use could apply because the usage was transformative and non-exploitative.
A Tenuous Win
Chhabria’s decision emphasised that this is not a blanket endorsement of using copyrighted content in AI training. The judgment leaned heavily on the procedural weakness of the case and not necessarily on the inherent legality of Meta’s practices.
Policy experts are warning that U.S. courts are currently interpreting AI training as fair use in narrow cases, but the rulings may not set the strongest judicial precedent. The application of law could change with clearer evidence of commercial harm or a more direct use of content.
Moreover, the ruling does not address whether authors or publishers should have the right to opt out of AI model training, a concern that is gaining momentum globally.
Implications for India
The case highlights a glaring gap in India’s copyright regime: it is outdated. Since most AI companies are located in the U.S., courts have had the opportunity to examine copyright in the context of AI-generated content. India has yet to start. Recently, news agency ANI filed a case alleging copyright infringement against OpenAI for training on its copyrighted material. However, the case is only at an interim stage. The final outcome of the case will have a significant impact on the legality of these language models being able to use copyrighted material for training.
Considering that India aims to develop “state-of-the-art foundational AI models trained on Indian datasets” under the IndiaAI Mission, the lack of clear legal guidance on what constitutes fair dealing when using copyrighted material for AI training is a significant gap.
Thus, key points of consideration for policymakers include:
- Need for Fair Dealing Clarity: India’s fair-dealing provisions under the Copyright Act, 1957, are narrower than U.S. fair use. The doctrine may have to be reviewed to strike a balance between this law and the requirement of diverse datasets to develop foundational models rooted in Indian contexts. A parallel concern regarding data privacy also arises.
- Push for Opt-Out or Licensing Mechanisms: India should consider whether to introduce a framework that requires companies to license training data or provide an opt-out system for creators, especially given the volume of Indian content being scraped by global AI systems.
- Digital Public Infrastructure for AI: India’s policymakers could take this opportunity to invest in public datasets, especially in regional languages, that are both high quality and legally safe for AI training.
- Protecting Local Creators: India needs to ensure that its authors, filmmakers, educators and journalists are protected from having their work repurposed without compensation, since power asymmetries between Big Tech and local creators can lead to exploitation of the latter.
Conclusion
The ruling in Meta’s favour is just one win for the developer. The real questions about consent, compensation and creative control remain unanswered. Meanwhile, the lesson for India is urgent: it needs AI policies that balance innovation with creator rights and provide legal certainty and ethical safeguards as it accelerates its AI ecosystem. Further, as global tech firms race ahead, India must not remain a passive data source; it must set the terms of its digital future. This will help the country move a step closer to achieving its goal of building sovereign AI capacity and becoming a hub for digital innovation.
References
- https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jun/26/meta-wins-ai-copyright-lawsuit-as-us-judge-rules-against-authors
- https://www.wired.com/story/meta-scores-victory-ai-copyright-case/
- https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/25/meta-llama-ai-copyright-ruling.html
- https://www.mondaq.com/india/copyright/1348352/what-is-fair-use-of-copyright-doctrine
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113095#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20key%20pillars,models%20trained%20on%20Indian%20datasets.
- https://www.ndtvprofit.com/law-and-policy/ani-vs-openai-delhi-high-court-seeks-responses-on-copyright-infringement-charges-against-chatgpt
Introduction
We are living in the digital age, where from ordering food to floating into a relationship everything is preferred to be digitized. It has been quite evident that in the past few years, online dating has become immensely popular due to its potential success stories. Since it has become a medium to find potential partners. Among the string of successes and pros of online dating, there seems to be a corner which is curtained that contains scams and treachery. A very recent case in Delhi puts light into the dark side of online dating where a 25-year-old journalist was trapped in an online dating scam. It portrays the threat of meeting an unknown person through an online dating app and how a person gets involved in the vicious cycle. Since the concept of online dating is all about meeting a new person and getting indulged. This incident talks about a man who met a woman through a dating app Bumble and got scammed for Rs 15000.
Unveiling the scam
It started like a fairy tale where a 25-year-old Delhi resident met with a girl on a dating app Bumble, where they spoke and found each other compatible. Followed by it the girl approaches the boy to meet at a specific restaurant situated in Delhi. The boy was away from the idea that the first meetup would turn into a nightmare which horrifying experience he would share on social media. It is not only about the financial loss but also about the emotional distress one goes through. Every coin has two sides and when surfing in the digital world one needs to keep in mind that along with the pros, there are certain cons. In the eagerness to meet someone, we should not lose our presence of mind. Continuing the incident once both reached the specified restaurant the girl made an order of various food items including beverages, shots of vodka, glasses of wine, different cuisines and hookah. Which not so surprisingly culminated in an inflated bill of Rs 15,886. After paying the hefty amount the boy went to the washroom once he came back the bill vanished followed by the girl being eager to leave the place. Till that very moment, the victim was in his dreamland where he did not get the hint that he had been scammed. Once he reached home and tried contacting the lady her account was deleted from the platform and was not reachable through calls. This incident shook the victim and pushed him to melancholy. Since he did not expect this to happen. Devastated by the fraud and treachery the man wrote about his disappointing experience on his Twitter handle addressing Delhi police to look into this.
It has been brought to the notice that similar incidents have been reported in the past as well. The trend remains the same in which the culprit insists the victim meet at a specific location decided by them, it is done with such conviction that it becomes difficult for the victim to deny. Once they accept to meet in the decided location it is followed by making the victim order expensive food and alcohol and at the time of payment giving excuses or pretending to pay. Once the payment is done the culprit rushes to leave the location or disappears without any head up. Not to be perplexed once they leave they will not leave any trace of them.
How to stay safe in the online dating world?
Online dating can bring butterflies in the stomach, and indeed it is a beautiful experience to meet someone new and fall in love but with this beauty, there comes the baggage of falling into the trap of cyber scams. While surfing online dating sites one needs to be very careful and vigilant since the highlighted incidents are relevant enough to showcase the negative impact on it.
Best practices
- Use reliable platforms: With the growing digitalization, there are infinite platforms available for online dating. But here is the catch one needs to be very finicky in choosing an appropriate platform among the countless options. It is best to use authentic platforms or apps and read reviews and ratings before installing any such applications or platforms.
- Cross-verify the profiles: Once you receive a profile compatible enough to talk about it is recommended to have elaborative conversations. It is not about doubting someone but being calculative and cross-checking all the information given. Before meeting the person it is best to have a detailed conversation but not reveal much about you.
- Have control in your pocket: When it comes to paying the bill be proactive in dividing the bill. It is advisable to do so that the liability of paying a hefty bill does not come from one party. This will make sure that even if one of the people has the intention to exploit the other person they will become alarmed.
- Go with the flow: Since meeting an unknown person is all flowery and spontaneous, it is also good to follow your instinct and go with the flow if you find anything weird during the conversation or while in person. It is advisable to back off or to leave the place as soon as possible.
- Be cautious in sharing your personal information with strangers: While conversing with an unknown person online, it is very important to keep a hold on our emotions and not share any personal information which can be misused by cyber crooks. Also, it is very important that we do not discuss anything about our financial capabilities and transactions. It is imperative to note that cyber crooks exploit the many new ways to commit online fraud by targeting innocent individuals.
- Catching up in public places: When meeting for the first time it is advisable to meet a person in a public place such as a park, museums etc. It is the best way to avoid going to a place decided or being insisted. Since meeting in a public place gives a sense of security that people are around you.
- Keep your near people in Loop: No matter how private you are while meeting an unknown person keep your friends and near one aware of it.
What to do if you fall into such dating scams
- While one can be emotionally drained, it is very important to keep track of all the information shared, save all your messages, take pictures of the scammer's profile and document every small detail which can be relevant.
- Report on the platform: There would be a section called “Contact us” or “Report” on the platform where you can report against the scammer. Most dating apps have this section where you can mention your issue so that they can take action against such profiles.
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, 1930 Helpline: The Cybercrime reporting portal http://www.cybercrime.gov.in/ equipped with 24x7 helpline 1930 is a powerful resource available to the victims of cybercrimes to report their cases.
Conclusion
Online dating can become the gush of winds for someone but it is very important to keep in mind that with the potential of falling in love, there comes a threat of being trapped and getting into cyber frauds or scams. So many cases are being reported, and the recent case also highlights that not everyone on online sites is genuine. So be aware of such scams and stay informed and safe in the evolving digital environment.
References
- https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/delhi-cafes-hiring-girls-to-scam-customers-says-bumble-user-conned-out-of-rs-15000-11724701.html
- https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/delhi-man-falls-victim-to-scam-as-bumble-date-costs-him-15-000-4566680/amp/1
- https://services.india.gov.in/service/detail/national-cyber-crime-reporting-portal#:~:text=This%20portal%20is%20an%20initiative,crimes%20against%20women%20and%20children.
Introduction
Online Gaming has gained popularity over the past few years, attracting young players worldwide and global concerns. In response to the growing fame of this industry, the Indian government has recently announced introducing a set of regulations to address various concerns and ensure a safer and more regulated online gaming environment. In this blog post, we will explore the critical aspects of these regulations and their impact on the gaming industry.
Why are Regulations needed?
Recently some games faced a ban in India – games that involve betting, games that can be harmful to the user, and games that involve a factor of addiction. Furthermore, with rising popularity, With the exponential rise of online gaming platforms in India, extensive laws to safeguard players and ensure fair gameplay needs to be implemented. Players’ protection is one of the critical factors addressing the issues which involve online addiction, underage involvement, fraud, and data privacy has become critical for the well-being of Indian gamers.
Regulatory Ambiguity: The previous legislative structure, such as the outmoded Public Gambling Act of 1867, required an update to fit the digital gambling age fully.
Outline of the New Regulations
Implementing new regulations for online gaming in India represents the government’s commitment to addressing different issues and ensuring a safer and more regulated gaming sector. Let’s have a look at these rules in detail:
National-Level Standards: The Indian government is currently working on creating national-level standards to standardise online gaming practices across all states. These rules attempt to create a uniform platform for both operators and participants. The government has also made an announcement to set SRO within 90 days to regulate online gaming.
Licencing and Compliance: To legally operate in the Indian market, online gaming firms must secure licences. The operator’s financial soundness, security measures, and adherence to responsible gaming practices will be scrutinised throughout the licencing process. Operators will need to comply with the regulations in order to maintain operations.
Measures to Promote Ethical Gaming: The new regulations emphasise player protection and ethical gaming practices. This includes steps like age verification to prevent underage involvement, self-exclusion choices for gamers who want to limit their gaming activities, and adopting tools like session limits and reality checks to promote responsible gaming.
Data Privacy: Recognising the importance of data privacy, the laws are intended to contain protections for protecting user data. To safeguard sensitive player information from unauthorised access or exploitation, online gambling operators must comply with data protection regulations and deploy strong security measures.
Restrictions on Advertising and Marketing: The legislation may limit the advertising and marketing of online gaming platforms. The emphasis will be on eliminating aggressive marketing tactics that target vulnerable people, such as kids. Stricter standards for ad content and placement may be implemented.
Anti-Fraud and Anti-Money Laundering Measures: To combat criminal activity within the gaming ecosystem, the new legislation will almost certainly force online gambling companies to employ anti-fraud and anti-money laundering measures. Operators may need to set up mechanisms to detect fraud, report suspicious activity, and work with law enforcement.
Consumer Grievance Redressal: The legislation may emphasise the construction of efficient channels for resolving consumer complaints. Players should be able to report difficulties, seek resolution, and offer feedback on their play experiences through channels. The objective is to create a transparent and accountable conflict resolution mechanism.
Impact on Online Gaming Ecosystem
Adopting new laws for online gambling in India will likely have several consequences for the gaming industry. Let us look at some of these consequences:
Increased Player Trust: Implementing restrictions will increase player confidence in online gaming platforms. Establishing clear rules and procedures and steps to safeguard participants’ interests will develop a sense of trust and transparency. This can lead to increased participation and engagement in the gaming community.
Industry Consolidation: Stricter restrictions may result in industry consolidation. Compliance with the new legislation would need resources and investments, which might favour more prominent and more established gambling firms. Smaller and more non-compliant operators may find it challenging to fulfil regulatory standards, resulting in a more consolidated gaming sector.
Technological Progress: The requirement to comply with rules could lead to technological advancements in the online gambling sector. Operators may invest in modern identity verification systems, fraud detection methods, and responsible gaming solutions to satisfy their regulatory requirements. This can result in technological breakthroughs that improve gamers’ overall gaming experience.
Foreign Investment and Collaboration: Clear laws might entice overseas investors to enter the Indian gaming business. The regulated environment may appeal to international gambling enterprises looking to enter or extend their presence in India. Collaborations between Indian and foreign gaming firms may also expand, resulting in the sharing of experience, resources, and the production of high-quality gaming products.
Legal Clarity: Implementing particular laws would give online gambling operators and users clearer legal standards. This transparency can eliminate ambiguity and possible legal issues, allowing stakeholders to navigate the gaming ecosystem with better confidence and knowledge.
Contribution to the Indian Economy: A well-regulated online gaming business has the potential to contribute to the Indian economy. It has the potential to create jobs, attract investment, and produce tax money for the government. The economic effect of the gaming ecosystem is expected to increase as it grows under the new restrictions.
Challenges and Future Approach
One of the toughest challenges will be the efficient implementation and enforcement of the new regulations. Consistency in applying the legislation across multiple jurisdictions and guaranteeing compliance by all operators would necessitate comprehensive monitoring and regulatory measures. Developing suitable enforcement organisations and transparent standards for reporting and dealing with noncompliance will be critical. Besides this, online gaming is open to more than area-specific and many gaming platforms and operates internationally. Ensuring cross-border operations is a big challenge in addressing jurisdictional challenges will be complex. Collaborative efforts between nations can regulate cross-border online gaming. There may be increased collaboration between Indian and foreign gaming firms, resulting in the exchange of information, skills, and resources. This partnership can help the Indian gaming sector flourish while attracting foreign players and investments.
Esports Development: Esports have grown in popularity worldwide, and India is no exception. The Indian esports business has the potential to thrive with proper regulation and support, drawing both players and viewers. Esports-specific factors like player contracts, tournament integrity, and licencing requirements may be addressed in the regulations.
Conclusion
Despite obstacles, India’s new online gambling legislation can potentially establish a safer and more regulated gaming sector. the future depends on successful implementation, adjusting to a shifting landscape, finding the correct balance between regulation and innovation, and promoting ethical gaming practices. The Indian online gaming business can develop sustainably with the appropriate strategy, benefiting gamers and the broader economy.
