#FactCheck - Philadelphia Plane Crash Video Falsely Shared as INS Vikrant Attack on Karachi Port

Introduction

The Government of India has initiated a cybercrime crackdown that has resulted in the blocking of 781,000 SIM cards and 208,469 IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers that are associated with digital fraud as of February 2025. This data was released as a written response by the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, with respect to a query presented in the Lok Sabha. A significant jump from the 669,000 SIM cards blocked in the past year, efforts aimed at combating digital fraud are in full swing, considering the increasing cases. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is proactively blocking other platform accounts found suspicious, such as WhatsApp Accounts (83,668) and Skype IDs (3,962) on its part, aiding in eliminating identified threat actors.

Increasing Digital Fraud And The Current Combative Measures

According to the data tabled by the Ministry of Finance in the Rajya Sabha, the first 10 months of the Financial year 2024-2025 have recorded around 2.4 million incidents covering an amount of Rs. 4,245 crore involving cases of digital Financial Fraud cases. Apart from the evident financial loss, such incidents also take an emotional toll as people are targeted regardless of their background and age, leaving everyone equally vulnerable. To address this growing problem, various government departments have dedicated measures to combat and reduce such incidents. Some of the notable initiatives/steps are as follows:

• The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System- This includes reporting Cybercrimes through the nationwide toll-free (1930) number and registration on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. On being a victim of digital fraud, one can call the toll-free number, describing details of the incident, which would further help in the investigation. After reporting the incident, the complainant receives a generated login ID/acknowledgement number that they can use for further reference.
• International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System- This is a mechanism developed to counter fraudulent calls that appear to originate from within India but are actually made from international locations. This system prevents the misuse of the Calling Line Identity (CLI), which is manipulated to deceive recipients in order to carry out financial crimes like digital arrests, among other things. Coordinating with the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), private telecommunication service providers (TSPs) are being encouraged to check with their ILD (International Long-Distance) network as a measure. Airtel has recently started categorising such numbers as International numbers on their part.
• Chakshu Facility at Sanchar Saathi platform- A citizen-centric initiative, created by the Department of Telecommunications, to empower mobile subscribers. It focuses on reporting unsolicited commercial communication (spam messages) and reporting suspected fraudulent communication. (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/). 
• Aadhaar-based verification of SIM cards- A directive issued by the Prime Minister's Office to the Department of Telecommunications mandates an Aadhaar-based biometric verification for the issuance of new SIM cards. This has been done so in an effort to prevent fraud and cybercrime through mobile connections obtained using fake documents. Legal action against non-compliant retailers in the form of FIRs is also being taken.

On the part of the public, awareness of the following steps could encourage them on how to deal with such situations:

• Awareness regarding types of crimes and the tell-tale signs of the modus operandi of a criminal: A general awareness and a cautionary approach to how such crimes take place could help better prepare and respond to such malicious scams. Some important signs on the part of the offender include pressuring the victim into immediate action, insistence on video calls, and the threat of arrest in case of non-compliance. It is also important to note that no official authority, in any legal capacity, allows for enabling a digital/online arrest.
• Knowing the support channels: Awareness regarding reporting mechanisms and cyber safety hygiene tips can help in building cyber resilience amongst netizens. 

Conclusion

As cybercrooks continue to find new ways of duping people of their hard-earned money, both government and netizens must make efforts to combat such crimes and increase awareness on both ends (systematic and public). Increasing developments in AI, deepfakes, and other technology often render the public inept at assessing the veracity of the source, making them susceptible to such crime. A cautionary yet proactive approach is need of the hour. 

References

• https://mobileidworld.com/india-blocks-781000-sim-cards-in-major-cybercrime-crackdown/
• https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/over-83k-whatsapp-accounts-used-for-digital-arrest-blocked-home-ministry-60292.htm
• https://www.business-standard.com/finance/news/digital-financial-frauds-touch-rs-4-245-crore-in-the-apr-jan-period-of-fy25-125032001214_1.html
• https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/govt-blocked-781k-sims-3k-skype-ids-83k-whatsapp-accounts-till-feb-125032500965_1.html
• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2042130
• https://mobileidworld.com/india-mandates-aadhaar-biometric-verification-for-new-sim-cards-to-combat-fraud/ 
• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2067113 

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Introduction

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a warning to students about fake social media accounts that spread false information about the CBSE. The board has warned students not to trust the information coming from these accounts and has released a list of 30 fake accounts. The board has expressed concern that these handles are misleading students and parents by spreading fake information with the name and logo of the CBSE. The board has has also clarified that it is not responsible for the information being spread from these fake accounts.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), a venerable institution in the realm of Indian education, has found itself ensnared in the web of cyber duplicity. Impersonation attacks, a sinister facet of cybercrime, have burgeoned, prompting the Board to adopt a vigilant stance against the proliferation of counterfeit social media handles that masquerade under its esteemed name and emblem.

The CBSE, has revealed a list of approximately 30 spurious handles that have been sowing seeds of disinformation across the social media landscape. These digital doppelgängers, cloaked in the Board's identity, have been identified and exposed. The Board's official beacon in this murky sea of falsehoods is the verified handle '@cbseindia29', a lighthouse guiding the public to the shores of authentic information.

This unfolding narrative signifies the Board's unwavering commitment to tackle the scourge of misinformation and to fortify the bulwarks safeguarding the sanctity of its official communications. By spotlighting the rampant growth of fake social media personas, the CBSE endeavors to shield the public from the detrimental effects of misleading information and to preserve the trust vested in its official channels.

CBSE Impersonator Accounts

The list of identified malefactors, parading under the CBSE banner, serves as a stark admonition to the public to exercise discernment while navigating the treacherous waters of social media platforms. The CBSE has initiated appropriate legal manoeuvres against these unauthorised entities to stymie their dissemination of fallacious narratives.

The Board has previously unfurled comprehensive details concerning the impending board examinations for both Class 10 and Class 12 in the year 2024. These academic assessments are slated to commence from February 15 to April 2, 2024, with a uniform start time of 10:30 AM (IST) across all designated dates.

The CBSE has made it unequivocally clear that there are nefarious entities lurking in the shadows of social media, masquerading in the guise of the CBSE. It has implored students and the general public not to be ensnared by the siren songs emanating from these fraudulent accounts and has also unfurled a list of these imposters. The Board's warning is a beacon of caution, illuminating the path for students as they navigate the digital expanse with the impending commencement of the CBSE Class X and XII exams.

Sounding The Alarm

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has sounded the alarm, issuing an advisory to schools, students, and their guardians about the existence of fake social media platform handles that brandish the board’s logo and mislead the academic community. The board has identified about 30 such accounts on the microblogging site 'X' (formerly known as Twitter) that misuse the CBSE logo and acronym, sowing confusion and disarray.

The board is in the process of taking appropriate action against these deceptive entities. CBSE has also stated that it bears no responsibility for any information disseminated by any other source that unlawfully appropriates its name and logo on social media platforms.

Sources reveal that these impostors post false information on various updates, including admissions and exam schedules. After receiving complaints about such accounts on 'X', the CBSE issued the advisory and has initiated action against those operating these accounts, sources said.

The Brute Nature of Impersonation

In the contemporary digital epoch, cybersecurity has ascended to a position of critical importance. It is the bulwark that ensures the sanctity of computer networks is maintained and that computer systems are not marked as prey by cyber predators. Cyberattacks are insidious stratagems executed with the intent of expropriating, manipulating, or annihilating authenticated user or organizational data. It is imperative that cyberattacks be mitigated at their roots so that users and organizations utilizing internet services can navigate the digital domain with a sense of safety and security. Knowledge about cyberattacks thus plays a pivotal role in educating cyber users about the diverse types of cyber threats and the preventive measures to counteract them.

Impersonation Attacks are a vicious form of cyberattack, characterised by the malicious intent to extract confidential information. These attacks revolve around a process where cyber attackers eschew the use of malware or bots to perpetrate their crimes, instead wielding the potent tactic of social engineering. The attacker meticulously researches and harvests information about the legitimate user through platforms such as social media and then exploits this information to impersonate or masquerade as the original, legitimate user.

The threats posed by Impersonation Attacks are particularly insidious because they demand immediate action, pressuring the victim to act without discerning between the authenticated user and the impersonated one. The very nature of an Impersonation Attack is a perilous form of cyber assault, as the original user who is impersonated holds rights to private information. These attacks can be executed by exploiting a resemblance to the original user's identity, such as email IDs. Email IDs with minute differences from the legitimate user are employed in this form of attack, setting it apart from the phishing cyber mechanism. The email addresses are so similar and close to each other that, without paying heed or attention to them, the differences can be easily overlooked. Moreover, the email addresses appear to be correct, as they generally do not contain spelling errors.

Strategies to Prevent 

To prevent Impersonation Attacks, the following strategies can be employed:

1. Proper security mechanisms help identify malicious emails and thereby filter spamming email addresses on a regular basis.
2. Double-checking sensitive information is crucial, especially when important data or funds need to be transferred. It is vital to ensure that the data is transferred to a legitimate user by cross-verifying the email address.
3. Ensuring organizational-level security is paramount. Organizations should have specific domain names assigned to them, which can help employees and users distinguish their identity from that of cyber attackers.
4. Protection of User Identity is essential. Employees must not publicly share their private identities, which can be exploited by attackers to impersonate their presence within the organization.

Conclusion 

The CBSE's struggle against the masquerade of misinformation is a reminder of the vigilance required to safeguard the legitimacy of our digital interactions. As we navigate the complex and uncharted terrain of the internet, let us arm ourselves with the knowledge and discernment necessary to unmask these digital charlatans and uphold the sanctity of truth.

References 

• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/cbse-warns-against-misuse-of-its-name-by-fake-social-media-handles/articleshow/107644422.cms
• https://www.timesnownews.com/education/cbse-releases-list-of-fake-social-media-handles-asks-not-to-follow-article-107632266
• https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!bharat/cbse-public-advisory-enn24021205856

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The global race for Artificial Intelligence is heating up, and India has become one of its most important battlegrounds. Over the past few months, tech giants like OpenAI (ChatGPT), Google (Gemini), X (Grok), Meta (Llama), and Perplexity AI have stepped up their presence in the country,  not by selling their AI tools, but by offering them free or at deep discounts.

At first, it feels like a huge win for India’s digital generation. Students, professionals, and entrepreneurs today can tap into some of the world’s most powerful AI tools without paying a rupee. It feels like a digital revolution unfolding in real time. Yet, beneath this generosity lies a more complicated truth. Experts caution that this wave of “free” AI access isn’t without strings attached. This offering impacts how India handles data privacy, the fairness of competition, and the pace of the development of homegrown AI innovation that the country is focusing on. 

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The Market Strategy: Free Now, Pay Later  

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The choice of global AI companies to offer free access in India is a calculated business strategy. With one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing digital populations, India is a market no tech giant wants to miss. By giving away their AI tools for free, these firms are playing a long game:

1. Securing market share early: Flooding the market with free access helps them quickly attract millions of users before Indian startups have a chance to catch up. Recent examples are Perplexity, ChatGPT Go and Gemini AI which are offering free subscriptions to Indian users. 
2. Gathering local data: Every interaction, every prompt, question, or language pattern, helps these models learn from larger datasets to improve their product offerings in India and the rest of the world. Nothing is free in the world - as the popular saying goes, “if something is free, means you are the product. The same goes for these AI platforms: they monetise user data by analysing chats and their behaviour to refine their model and build paid products. This creates the privacy risk as India currently lacks specific laws to govern how such data is stored, processed or used for AI training. 
3. Create user dependency: Once users grow accustomed to the quality and convenience of these global models, shifting to Indian alternatives,  even when they become paid, will be difficult. This approach mirrors the “freemium” model used in other tech sectors, where users are first attracted through free access and later monetised through subscriptions or premium features, raising ethical concerns.  

Impact on Indian Users

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For most Indians, the short-term impact of free AI access feels overwhelmingly positive. Tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are breaking down barriers by democratising knowledge and making advanced technology available to everyone, from students, professionals, to small businesses.  It’s changing how people learn, think and do - all without spending a single rupee.But the long-term picture isn’t quite as simple. Beneath the convenience lies a set of growing concerns:

• Data privacy risks: Many users don’t realise that their chats, prompts, or queries might be stored and used to train global AI models. Without strong data protection laws in action, sensitive Indian data could easily find its way into foreign systems.
• Overdependence on foreign technology: Once these AI tools become part of people’s daily lives, moving away from them gets harder — especially if free access later turns into paid plans or comes with restrictive conditions.
• Language and cultural bias: Most large AI models are still built mainly around English and Western data. Without enough Indian language content and cultural representation, the technology risks overlooking the very diversity that defines India

Impact on India’s AI Ecosystem  

India’s Generative AI market, valued at USD $ 1.30 billion in 2024, is projected to reach 5.40 billion by 2033. Yet, this growth story may become uneven if global players dominate early.  

Domestic AI startups face multiple hurdles — limited funding, high compute costs, and difficulty in accessing large, diverse datasets. The arrival of free, GPT-4-level models sharpens these challenges by raising user expectations and increasing customer acquisition costs.  

As AI analyst Kashyap Kompella notes, “If users can access GPT-4-level quality at zero cost, their incentive to try local models that still need refinement will be low.” This could stifle innovation at home, resulting in a shallow domestic AI ecosystem where India consumes global technology but contributes little to its creation.  

CCI’s Intervention: Guarding Fair Competition  

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has started taking note of how global AI companies are shaping India’s digital market. In a recent report, it cautioned that AI-driven pricing strategies such as offering free or heavily subsidised access could distort healthy competition and create an uneven playing field for smaller Indian developers.

The CCI’s decision to step in is both timely and necessary. Without proper oversight, such tactics could gradually push homegrown AI startups to the sidelines and allow a few foreign tech giants to gain disproportionate influence over India’s emerging AI economy.  

 What the Indian Government Should Do  

To ensure India’s AI landscape remains competitive, inclusive, and innovation-driven, the government must adopt a balanced strategy that safeguards users while empowering local developers.  

 1. Promote Fair Competition  

The government should mandate transparency in free access offers, including their duration, renewal terms, and data-use policies.  Exclusivity deals between foreign AI firms and telecom or device companies must be closely monitored to prevent monopolistic practices.  

 2. Strengthen Data Protection 

Under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, companies should be required to obtain explicit consent from users before using data for model training.  Encourage data localisation, ensuring that sensitive Indian data remains stored within India’s borders.  

3. Support Domestic AI Innovation  

Accelerate the implementation of the IndiaAI Mission to provide public compute infrastructure, open datasets, and research funding to local AI developers like  Sarvam AI, an Indian company chosen by the government to build the country's first homegrown large language model (LLM) under IndianAI Mission. 

4. Create an Open AI Ecosystem

India should develop national AI benchmarks to evaluate all models, foreign or domestic, on performance, fairness, and linguistic diversity. And at the same time, they have their own national data Centre to train their indigenous  AI models. 

5. Encourage Responsible Global Collaboration

Speaking at the AI Action Summit 2025, the Prime Minister highlighted that governance should go beyond managing risks and should also promote innovation for the global good. Building on this idea, India should encourage global AI companies to invest meaningfully in the country’s ecosystem through research labs, data centres, and AI education programmes. Such collaborations will ensure that these partnerships not only expand markets but also create value, jobs and knowledge within India.

Conclusion

The surge of free AI access across India represents a defining moment in the nation’s digital journey. On one hand, it’s empowering millions of people and accelerating AI awareness like never before. On the other hand, it poses serious challenges from over-reliance on foreign platforms to potential risks around data privacy and the slow growth of local innovation. India’s real test will be finding the right balance between access and autonomy, allowing global AI leaders to innovate and operate here, but within a framework that protects the interests of Indian users, startups, and data ecosystems. With strong and timely action under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, the IndiaAI Mission, and the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) active oversight, India can make sure this AI revolution isn’t just something that happens to the country, but for it. 

References

1. https://www.moneycontrol.com/artificial-intelligence/cci-study-flags-steep-barriers-for-indian-ai-startups-calls-for-open-data-and-compute-access-to-level-playing-field-article-13600606.html# 
2. https://www.imarcgroup.com/india-generative-ai-market 
3. https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/39020/Opening_Address_by_Prime_Minister_Shri_Narendra_Modi_at_the_AI_Action_Summit_Paris_February_11_2025 
4. https://m.economictimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/nasscom-planning-local-benchmarks-for-indic-ai-models/articleshow/124218208.cms 
5. https://indianexpress.com/article/business/centre-selects-start-up-sarvam-to-build-country-first-homegrown-ai-model-9967243/# 

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