#FactCheck - False Claim of Hindu Sadhvi Marrying Muslim Man Debunked

Introduction

The ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Hamas/ Palestine is in the news all across the world. The latest conflict was triggered by unprecedented attacks against Israel by Hamas militants on October 7, killing thousands of people. Israel has launched a massive counter-offensive against the Islamic militant group. Amid the war, the bad information and propaganda spreading on various social media platforms, tech researchers have detected a network of 67 accounts that posted false content about the war and received millions of views. The ‘European Commission’ has sent a letter to Elon Musk, directing them to remove illegal content and disinformation; otherwise, penalties can be imposed. The European Commission has formally requested information from several social media giants on their handling of content related to the Israel-Hamas war. This widespread disinformation impacts and triggers the nature of war and also impacts the world and affects the goodwill of the citizens. The bad group, in this way, weaponise the information and fuels online hate activity, terrorism and extremism, flooding political polarisation with hateful content on social media. Online misinformation about the war is inciting extremism, violence, hate and different propaganda-based ideologies. The online information environment surrounding this conflict is being flooded with disinformation and misinformation, which amplifies the nature of war and too many fake narratives and videos are flooded on social media platforms.

Response of social media platforms 

As there is a proliferation of online misinformation and violent content surrounding the war, It imposes a question on social media companies in terms of content moderation and other policy shifts.  It is notable that Instagram, Facebook and X(Formerly Twitter) all have certain features in place giving users the ability to decide what content they want to view. They also allow for limiting the potentially sensitive content from being displayed in search results.

The experts say that It is of paramount importance to get a sort of control in this regard and define what is permissible online and what is not, Hence, what is required is expertise to determine the situation, and most importantly, It requires robust content moderation policies. 

During wartime, people who are aggrieved or provoked are often targeted by this internet disinformation that blends ideological beliefs and spreads conspiracy theories and hatred. This is not a new phenomenon, it is often observed that disinformation-spreading groups emerged and became active during such war and emergency times and spread disinformation and propaganda-based ideologies and influence the society at large by misrepresenting the facts and planted stories. Social media has made it easier to post user-generated content without properly moderating it. However, it is a shared responsibility of tech companies, users, government guidelines and policies to collectively define and follow certain mechanisms to fight against disinformation and misinformation.  

Digital Services Act (DSA)

The newly enacted EU law, i.e. Digital Services Act, pushes various larger online platforms to prevent posts containing illegal content and also puts limits on targeted advertising. DSA enables to challenge the of illegal online content and also poses requirements to prevent misinformation and disinformation and ensure more transparency over what the users see on the platforms. Rules under the DSA cover everything from content moderation & user privacy to transparency in operations. DSA is a landmark EU legislation moderating online platforms.  Large tech platforms are now subject to content-related regulation under this new EU law ‘The Digital Services Act’, which also requires them to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation and overall ensure a safer online environment.

Indian Scenario

The Indian government introduced the Intermediary Guidelines (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, updated in 2023 which talks about the establishment of a "fact check unit" to identify false or misleading online content. Digital Personal Data Protection, 2023 has also been enacted which aims to protect personal data. The upcoming Digital India bill is also proposed to be tabled in the parliament, this act will replace the current Information & Technology Act, of 2000. The upcoming Digital India bill can be seen as future-ready legislation to strengthen India’s current cybersecurity posture. It will comprehensively deal with the aspects of ensuring privacy, data protection, and fighting growing cyber crimes in the evolving digital landscape and ensuring a safe digital environment. Certain other entities including civil societies are also actively engaged in fighting misinformation and spreading awareness for safe and responsible use of the Internet. 

Conclusion:

The widespread disinformation and misinformation content amid the Israel-Hamas war showcases how user-generated content on social media shows you the illusion of reality. There is widespread misinformation, misleading content or posts on social media platforms, and misuse of new advanced AI technologies that even make it easier for bad actors to create synthetic media content. It is also notable that social media has connected us like never before. Social media is a great platform with billions of active social media users around the globe, it offers various conveniences and opportunities to individuals and businesses. It is just certain aspects that require the attention of all of us to prevent the bad use of social media. The social media platforms and regulatory authorities need to be vigilant and active in clearly defining and improving the policies for content regulation and safe and responsible use of social media which can effectively combat and curtail the bad actors from misusing social media for their bad motives. As a user, it's the responsibility of users to exercise certain duties and promote responsible use of social media. With the increasing penetration of social media and the internet, misinformation is rampant all across the world and remains a global issue which needs to be addressed properly by implementing strict policies and adopting best practices to fight the misinformation. Users are encouraged to flag and report misinformative or misleading content on social media and should always verify it from authentic sources. Hence creating a safer Internet environment for everyone.

References:

• https://abcnews.go.com/US/experts-fear-hate-extremism-social-media-israel-hamas-war/story?id=104221215
• https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/14/tech/social-media-misinformation-israel-hamas/index.html
• https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/13/business/israel-hamas-misinformation-social-media-x.html
• https://www.africanews.com/2023/10/24/fact-check-misinformation-about-the-israel-hamas-war-is-flooding-social-media-here-are-the//
• https://www.theverge.com/23845672/eu-digital-services-act-explained

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Introduction

Attacks by cybercriminals targeting national critical infrastructure are increasing at an unsettling rate. Such attacks have the potential to do severe damage by upsetting transportation networks, utilities, financial services, and other vital infrastructure. The physical and digital systems that underpin a nation's economy are known as critical infrastructure thus if they were to be disrupted, there would be serious risks to the economy and public health and safety. Establishing proper cybersecurity measures and protecting those digital systems from possible threats or cyberattacks is necessary. Both public and private sector assets are included in these essential infrastructure categories.

Nationwide alert:

Recently one of the biggest hacker organizations has warned of an upcoming cyberattack on the critical infrastructure and websites in India, causing a countrywide alert. A gang of hackers from Indonesia and Pakistan, celebrating 4,000 members, announced a planned “Cyber Party” on 11 December 2023. The event’s claimed goal is to compromise and disrupt India's digital infrastructure. They disclosed this information on their Telegram channel.

This hacker organization holds a record of launching extensive cyberattacks; in the past, it sent out a "red notice" that was intended to target 12,000 websites run by the Indian government. They have previously attacked other nations, such as Israel, Sweden, and the United States. Their reasons are varied and might include anything from assaults on certain groups to religious disagreements.

The gang has also been acclaimed for hacking into a New York City police agency, obtaining health and social media data from Israel, and exposing information from Swedish social media users. These alarming events show how urgently strong and all-encompassing cybersecurity measures are needed, not only in India but throughout the world.

Effect(s) on India

1.  Central Agencies Are Alert, Expect Health Sector Attacks: The cyberinfrastructure of the health sector has been a common target of assaults, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 epidemic, which has authorities particularly concerned. Relevant ministries have received notifications from central authorities advising them to take precautions against unwanted access. The security of digital infrastructure is seriously challenged by the constantly changing panorama of cyber-attacks, according to those who are aware of the warning and threat.

2. National security concerns: Because of the interconnectedness of critical national infrastructure, a cyberattack may have an impact on national security. Attacks against defense networks, intelligence organizations health infrastructure, or military systems, for instance, might make it more difficult for the nation to respond to threats from outside.

3.    Concerns for Public Safety and Health: Cyberattacks on healthcare systems run the risk of compromising patient data, stopping medical procedures, and even endangering the general public's health. This might have potentially fatal results in urgent circumstances.

4.  Data Breach and Privacy Issues: Stealing confidential data is a common component of cybersecurity assaults. A breach of critical infrastructure systems might result in sensitive data, including personal information, being misused and accessed without authorization, raising privacy issues.

Preventive and protective measures

1.    The plan for responding to incidents: Make sure a clear incident response strategy is in place, with a focus on healthcare systems, and that it is especially designed to handle cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure.

2.  Better Tracking: Observing vital networks, systems, and data flows more closely, especially in the healthcare industry. Using cutting-edge threat detection technologies to spot odd or questionable activity.

3.   Critical System Isolation: Cutting off vital healthcare systems from the wider network to reduce the chance of attackers moving laterally.

4.   Continual Backups: Make sure that backup copies of important data and systems are kept in a safe, isolated location by regularly backing them up. In the event of a ransomware attack or data breach, this makes recovery easier.

5.    Update and patch systems: Make sure that all operating systems and apps utilized in the infrastructure of the healthcare industry are updated with the most recent security updates.

6. Protocols for Communication: In the case of a cyber-incident, establishing explicit communication mechanisms to guarantee that pertinent parties are notified as soon as possible. This covers correspondence with law enforcement, the public, and other members of the healthcare industry as needed.

Conclusion

Urgent preventative actions are essential in response to an impending cyber threat revealed by a large hacker organization that is targeting India's key infrastructure, specifically the healthcare sector. The interconnectedness of this infrastructure puts public safety, privacy, and national security in danger. A crucial defensive approach is formed by the proactive measures mentioned, which include communication protocols, system isolation, improved monitoring, incident response preparation, and frequent backups. The dangers underline the necessity of international collaboration in tackling cybersecurity issues and the requirement for shared responsibility of everyone to safeguard digital networks. To reduce risks and guarantee the resilience of vital national infrastructure in the face of changing cyber threats, authorities must continue to develop and adapt their cybersecurity tactics.

References:

• https://www.cnbctv18.com/technology/exclusive--nationwide-alert-sounded-as-hacker-group-plans-cyber-party-to-attack-indias-critical-digital-infra-18520021.htm
• https://www.the420.in/ndian-authorities-high-alert-hacker-groups-threaten-cyber-assault/
• https://www.cnbctv18.com/technology/exclusive--nationwide-alert-sounded-as-hacker-group-plans-cyber-party-to-attack-indias-critical-digital-infra-18520021.htm#:~:text=By%20News18.com%20Dec%208,%3A58%20AM%20IST%20(Published)&text=A%20nationwide%20alert%20has%20been,Indian%20websites%20and%20critical%20infrastructure
• https://verveindustrial.com/resources/blog/critical-infrastructure-cyber-security/

Introduction

The automobile business is fast expanding, with vehicles becoming sophisticated, interconnected gadgets equipped with cutting-edge digital technology. This integration improves convenience, safety, and efficiency while also exposing automobiles to a new set of cyber risks. Electric vehicles (EVs) are equipped with sophisticated computer systems that manage various functions, such as acceleration, braking, and steering. If these systems are compromised, it could result in hazardous situations, including the remote control of the vehicle or unauthorized access to sensitive data. The automotive sector is evolving with the rise of connected car stakeholders, exposing new vulnerabilities for hackers to exploit. 

Why Automotive Cybersecurity is required

Cybersecurity threats to automotives result from hardware, software and overall systems redundancy. Additional concerns include general privacy clauses that justify collecting and transferring data to “third-party vendors”, without explicitly disclosing who such third parties are and the manner of processing personal data. For example, infotainment platform data may show popular music and the user’s preferences, which may be used by the music industry to improve marketing strategies. Similarly, it is lesser known that any data relating to behavioural tracking data, such as driving patterns etc., are also logged by the original equipment manufacturer.

Hacking is not limited to attackers gaining control of an electronic automobile; it includes malicious actors hacking charging stations to manipulate the systems. In Russia, EV charging stations were hacked in Moscow to display pro-Ukraine and anti-Putin messages such as “Glory to Ukraine” and “Death to the enemy” in the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war. Other examples include instances from the Isle of Wight, where hackers controlled the EV monitor to show inappropriate content and display high voltage fault codes to EV owners, preventing them from charging their vehicles with empty batteries.

UN Economic Commission for Europe releases Regulation 155 for Automobiles

UN Economic Commission for Europe Regulation 155 lays down uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to cybersecurity and cybersecurity management systems (CSMS). This was originally a part of the Commission.s Work Paper (W.P.) 29 that aimed to harmonise vehicular regulations for vehicles and vehicle equipment. Regulation 155 has a two-prong objective; first, to ensure cybersecurity at the organisational level and second, to ensure adequate designs of the vehicle architecture. A critical aspect in this context is the implementation of a certified CSMS by all companies that bring vehicles to market. Notably, this requirement alters the perspective of manufacturers; their responsibilities no longer conclude with the start of production (SOP). Instead, manufacturers are now required to continuously monitor and assess the safety systems throughout the entire life cycle of a vehicle, including making any necessary improvements.

This Regulation reflects the highly dynamic nature of software development and assurance. Moreover, the management system is designed to ensure compliance with safety requirements across the entire supply chain. This is a significant challenge, considering that suppliers currently account for over 70 per cent of the software volume.

The Regulation, which is binding in nature for 64 member countries, came into force in 2021. UNECE countries were required to be compliant with the Regulations by July 2022 for all new vehicles and by July 2024, the Regulation was set to apply to all vehicles. It is believed that the Regulation will become a de facto global standard, since vehicles authorised in a particular country may not be brought into the global market or the market of any UNECE member country based on any other authorisation. In such a scenario, OEMs of non-member countries may be required to give a “self-declaration”, declaring the equipment’s conformity with cybersecurity standards.

Conclusion

To compete and ensure trust, global car makers must deliver a robust cybersecurity framework that meets evolving regulations. The UNECE regulations in this regard are driving this direction by requiring automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to integrate vehicle cybersecurity throughout the entire value chain. The ‘security by design' approach aims to build a connected car that is trusted by all.  Automotive cybersecurity involves measures and technologies to protect connected vehicles and their onboard systems from growing digital threats.

References:

1. “Electric vehicle cyber security risks and best practices (2023)”, Cyber Talk, 1 August 2023. https://www.cybertalk.org/2023/08/01/electric-vehicle-cyber-security-risks-and-best-practices-2023/#:~:text=EVs%20are%20equipped%20with%20complex,unauthorized%20access%20to%20sensitive%20data. 
2. Gordon, Aaron, “Russian Electric Vehicle Chargers Hacked, Tell Users “PUTIN IS A D*******D”, Vice, 28 February 2022. https://www.vice.com/en/article/russian-electric-vehicle-chargers-hacked-tell-users-putin-is-a-dickhead/ 
3. “Isle of Wight: Council’s electric vehicle chargers hacked to show porn site”, BBC, 6 April 2022. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-hampshire-61006816 
4. Sandler, Manuel, “UN Regulation No. 155: What You Need to Know about UN R155”, Cyres Consulting, 1 June 2022. https://www.cyres-consulting.com/un-regulation-no-155-requirements-what-you-need-to-know/?srsltid=AfmBOopV1pH1mg6M2Nn439N1-EyiU-gPwH2L4vq5tmP0Y2vUpQR-yfP7#A_short_overview_Background_knowledge_on_UN_Regulation_No_155 
5. https://unece.org/wp29-introduction?__cf_chl_tk=ZYt.Sq4MrXvTwSiYURi_essxUCGCysfPq7eSCg1oXLA-1724839918-0.0.1.1-13972

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