#FactCheck - Digitally Altered Video of Olympic Medalist, Arshad Nadeem’s Independence Day Message

Introduction

The Information Technology (IT) Ministry has tested a new parental control app called ‘SafeNet’ that is intended to be pre-installed in all mobile phones, laptops and personal computers (PCs). The government's approach shows collaborative efforts by involving cooperation between Internet service providers (ISPs), the Department of School Education, and technology manufacturers to address online safety concerns. Campaigns and the proposed SafeNet application aim to educate parents about available resources for online protection and safeguarding their children.

The Need for SafeNet App

SafeNet Trusted Access is an access management and authentication service that ensures no user is a target by allowing you to expand authentication to all users and apps with diverse authentication capabilities. SafeNet is, therefore, an arsenal of tools, each meticulously crafted to empower guardians in the art of digital parenting. With the finesse of a master weaver, it intertwines content filtering with the vigilant monitoring of live locations, casting a protective net over the vulnerable online experiences of the children. The ability to oversee calls and messages adds another layer of security, akin to a watchful sentinel standing guard over the gates of communication. Some pointers regarding the parental control app that can be taken into consideration are as follows.

1.   Easy to use and set up: The app should be useful, intuitive, and easy to use. The interface plays a significant role in achieving this goal. The setup process should be simple enough for parents to access the app without any technical issues. Parents should be able to modify settings and monitor their children's activity with ease.

2.   Privacy and data protection: Considering the sensitive nature of children's data, strong privacy and data protection measures are paramount. From the app’s point of view, strict privacy standards include encryption protocols, secure data storage practices, and transparent data handling policies with the right of erasure to protect and safeguard the children's personal information from unauthorized access.

3.   Features for Time Management: Effective parental control applications frequently include capabilities for regulating screen time and establishing use limitations. The app will evaluate if the software enables parents to set time limits for certain applications or devices, therefore promoting good digital habits and preventing excessive screen time.

4.   Comprehensive Features of SafeNet: The app's commitment to addressing the multifaceted aspects of online safety is reflected in its robust features. It allows parents to set content filters with surgical precision, manage the time their children spend in the digital world, and block content that is deemed age-inappropriate. This reflects a deep understanding of the digital ecosystem's complexities and the varied threats that lurk within its shadows.

5.   Adaptable to the needs of the family: In a stroke of ingenuity, SafeNet offers both parent and child versions of the app for shared devices. This adaptability to diverse family dynamics is not just a nod to inclusivity but a strategic move that enhances its usability and effectiveness in real-world scenarios. It acknowledges the unique tapestry of family structures and the need for tools that are as flexible and dynamic as the families they serve.

6.   Strong Support From Government: The initiative enjoys a chorus of support from both government and industry stakeholders, a symphony of collaboration that underscores the collective commitment to the cause. Recommendations for the pre-installation of SafeNet on devices by an industry consortium resonate with the directives from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO),creating a harmonious blend of policy and practice. The involvement of major telecommunications players and Internet service providers underscores the industry's recognition of the importance of such initiatives, emphasising a collaborative approach towards deploying digital safeguarding measures at scale.

Recommendations

The efforts by the government to implement parental controls a recommendable as they align with societal goals of child welfare and protection. This includes providing parents with tools to manage and monitor their children's Internet usage to address concerns about inappropriate content and online risks. The following suggestions are made to further support the government's initiative:

1.    The administration can consider creating a verification mechanism similar to how identities are verified when mobile SIMS are issued. While this certainly makes for a longer process, it will help address concerns about the app being misused for stalking and surveillance if it is made available to everyone as a default on all digital devices.

2.    Parental controls are available on several platforms and are designed to shield, not fetter. Finding the right balance between protection and allowing for creative exploration is thus crucial to ensuring children develop healthy digital habits while fostering their curiosity and learning potential. It might be helpful to the administration to establish updated policies that prioritise the privacy-protection rights of children so that there is a clear mandate on how and to what extent the app is to be used.

3.    Policy reforms can be further supported through workshops, informational campaigns, and resources that educate parents and children about the proper use of the app, the concept of informed consent, and the importance of developing healthy, transparent communication between parents and children.

Conclusion

Safety is a significant step towards child protection and development. Children have to rely on adults for protection and cannot identify or sidestep risk. In this context, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child emphasises the matter of protection efforts for children, which notes that children have the "right to protection". Therefore, the parental safety app will lead to significant concentration on the general well-being and health of the children besides preventing drug misuse. On the whole, while technological solutions can be helpful, one also needs to focus on educating people on digital safety, responsible Internet use, and parental supervision.  

References

• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/itministry-tests-parental-control-app-progress-to-be-reviewed-today-101710702452265.html
• https://www.htsyndication.com/ht-mumbai/article/it-ministry-tests-parental-control-app%2C-progress-to-be-reviewed-today/80062127
• https://www.varindia.com/news/it-ministry-to-evaluate-parental-control-software
• https://www.medianama.com/2024/03/223-indian-government-to-incorporate-parental-controls-in-data-usage/

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Introduction

The Chairman of Vardhman Group, Mr SP Oswal, an India-based textile manufacturer, fell victim to a cyber fraud scheme that cost him ₹7 crore. The scam unfolded on August 28 and 29, conning Mr Oswal into transferring Rs 7 crore into multiple bank accounts. As per the recent reports, the Police have managed to freeze these accounts and recover over Rs 5 crore as of now. The fraudsters convinced Mr SP Oswal that he was a suspect in a money laundering investigation and held on a “Digital Arrest”. These are sophisticated cyber frauds where cyber-criminals impersonate law enforcement officials or other authorities and target innocent individuals with manipulative tactics. The scam targets are often contacted out of the blue, on Instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and informed that their bank accounts, digital identities, or other online assets have been compromised. Criminals play into the victims' fear by threatening them with imminent arrest, legal consequences, or public humiliation if they don't cooperate with a series of urgent demands.

Posing as Officials, Fraudsters Orchestrate ₹7 Crore Scam

The investigation revealed that the fraudsters posed as members of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). They had contacted Mr Oswal and claimed that his Aadhaar had been misused in a case involving fake passports and financial fraud. The imposter conducted a video call in a police uniform using a background with the CBI logo. The fraud escalated further, Mr Oswal got a fake "arrest warrant" on  WhatsApp allegedly authorised by the Supreme Court. Fraudsters convinced Mr Oswal to transfer ₹7 crores to facilitate bail proceedings, claiming he was under "digital arrest". The meticulously planned scam involved fake documents, a virtual courtroom, and relentless intimidation tactics leaving Mr Oswal effectively under "digital arrest" for two days. While the police have successfully recovered over Rs 5 crore so far, this case highlights the alarming threat of digital impersonation of law enforcement authorities.

Legal Outlook on the Validity of Digital Arrests

In India, the main laws governing cyber crimes are the Information Technology Act, of 2000 and the rules made under therein, and the newly enacted Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Recently enacted new criminal laws do not provide for any provision for law enforcement agencies conducting a digital arrest.  The law only provides for service of the summons and the proceedings in an electronic mode. Hence, there are no provisions for conducting 'digital arrests' as per the laws of the country. 

Further, It should be noted that the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, coordinates the activities related to combating cybercrime in the country. MHA works closely with other ministries to counter these frauds. The I4C also provides technical support to the police authorities of states/UTs for the identification and investigation of these cases. 

Best Practices to Avoid Digital Arrest Scams 

• To protect yourself from scams, it is crucial to verify the identity of individuals claiming to be law enforcement or government officials and use official contact channels to confirm their credentials. 
• Be cautious of pressure tactics used by fraudsters, especially demands for quick payment over unverified communication platforms like WhatsApp. 
• Cross-check official documents with legal advisors or relevant authorities. 
• Never share sensitive personal information, such as your Aadhaar number, over phone calls, emails, or messages without verifying the request's authenticity. 
• Avoid untraceable payments, such as cryptocurrency or prepaid cards, without validating the transaction's legitimacy, especially under duress. 
• Stay informed on scam techniques, particularly those involving impersonation and digital threats. 
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for sensitive online accounts to prevent misuse. 
• Consult advice from legal professionals if you receive threatening communication involving digital arrest or legal actions and do not take any action on the asks of persons posing as legitimate authorities. 
• In case of any cybercrime, you can file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in or helpline number 1930. You can also seek assistance from the CyberPeace helpline at +91 9570000066.

Conclusion

The digital arrest of Vardhman Group's CEO underscores the increasing sophistication of cyber fraud schemes, which exploit fear and urgency, leading to severe financial and reputational harm. No one is immune from cybercrime, vigilance is essential at all leadership levels. While laws like the IT Act and initiatives taken by the I4C help combat cybercrime, rapidly evolving threats demand proactive safety measures. Beyond the possibility of financial loss, incidents like this jeopardise brand reputation, investor confidence, and operational stability. Be cautious of such threats and exercise due care and caution while navigating the digital landscape. Be aware of such kinds of scams and the manipulative tactics used by fraudsters to avoid them. By staying vigilant and aware we can avoid the growing scam of digital arrests. 

References

• https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/digital-arrest-and-rs-7-crore-heist-how-vardhman-group-head-was-tricked-124100100832_1.html
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/vardhman-group-chairman-sp-oswal-duped-of-rs-7-crore-fraudsters-posed-as-cbi-101727666912738.html 
• https://www.msspalert.com/native/digital-arrests-the-new-frontier-of-cybercrime

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Introduction

In today's era of digitalised community and connections, social media has become an integral part of our lives. we use social media to connect with our friends and family, and social media is also used for business purposes. Social media offers us numerous opportunities and ease to connect and communicate with larger communities. While it also poses some challenges, while we use social media, we come across issues such as inappropriate content, online harassment, online stalking, account hacking, misuse of personal information or data,  privacy issues, fake accounts, Intellectual property violation issues, abusive and dishearted content, content against the terms and condition policy of the platform and more. To deal with such issues, social media entities have proper reporting mechanisms and set terms and conditions guidelines to effectively prevent such issues and by addressing them in the best possible way by platform help centre or reporting mechanism.

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The Role of Help Centers in Resolving User Complaints:

The help centres are established on platforms to address user complaints and provide satisfactory assistance or resolution. Addressing user complaints is a key component of maintaining a safe and secure digital environment for users. Platform-centric help centres play a vital role in providing users with a resource to seek assistance and report their issues.

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Some common issues reported on social media:

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• Reporting abusive content: Users can report content that they find abusive, offensive, or in violation of platform policies. These reports are reviewed by the help centre.
• Reporting CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material): CSAM content can be reported to platform help centre. Social media platforms have stringent policies in place to address such concerns and ensure a safe digital environment for everyone, including children.
• Reporting Misinformation or Fake News: With the proliferation of misinformation online, users can report content that they find or suspect misleading or false information and Fact-checking bodies are employed to assess the accuracy of reported content.
• Content violating intellectual property rights: If there is a violation or infringement of any intellectual property work, it can be reported on the platform. 
• Violence of commercial policies: Products listed on social media platforms are also needed to comply with the platform’s  Commercial Policies.

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Submitting a Complaint to the Indian Grievance Officer for Facebook:

A user can report his issue through the below-mentioned websites:

• https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/278770247037228

• https://www.facebook.com/help/263149623790594

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The user can go to the Facebook Help Center, where go to the "Reporting a Problem” section, then by clicking on Reporting a Problem, Choose the Appropriate Issue that best describes your complaint. For example, if you have encountered inappropriate or abusive content, select the ‘I found inappropriate or abusive content’ option.

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Here is a list of issues which you can report on Facebook:

• My account has been hacked.
• I've lost access to a page or a group I used to manage.
• I've found a fake profile or a profile that's pretending to be me.
• I am being bullied or harassed.
• I found inappropriate or abusive content.
• I want to report content showing me in nudity/partial nudity or in a sexual act.
• I (or someone I am legally responsible for) appear in content that I do not want to be displayed.
• I am a law enforcement official seeking to access user data.
• I am a government official or a court officer seeking to submit an order, notice or direction.
• I want to download my personal data or report an issue with how Facebook is processing my data.
• I want to report an Intellectual Property infringement.
• I want to report another issue.

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Then, describe your issues and attach supporting evidence such as screenshots, then submit your report. After submitting a report, you will receive a confirmation that your report has been submitted to the platform. The platform will review the complaint within the stipulated time period, and users can also check the status of their filed complaint. Appropriate action will be taken by platforms after reviewing such complaints. If it violates any standard policy, terms & conditions, or privacy policies of the platform, the platform will take down that content or will take any other appropriate action.

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Conclusion: 

It is important to be aware of your rights in a digital landscape and report such issues to the platform. It is essential to understand how to report your issues or grievances on social media platforms effectively. By using the help centre or reporting mechanism of the platform, users can effectively file their complaints on the platform and contribute to a safer and more responsible online environment. Social media platforms have their compliance framework and privacy and policy guidelines in place to ensure the compliance framework for community standards and legal requirements. So, whenever you encounter an issue on social media, report it on the platform and contribute to a safer digital environment on social media platforms.

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References: 

• https://www.cyberyodha.org/2023/09/how-to-submit-complaint-to-indian.html
• https://transparency.fb.com/en-gb/enforcement/taking-action/complaints-handling-process/
• https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/278770247037228
• https://www.facebook.com/help/263149623790594

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