#FactCheck - The video of Virat Kohli promoting online casino mobile app is a deep fake.

Introduction

The Australian Parliament has passed the world’s first legislation regarding a ban on social media for children under 16. This was done citing risks to the mental and physical well-being of children and the need to contain misogynistic influence on them. The debate surrounding the legislation is raging strong, as it is the first proposal of its kind and would set precedence for how other countries can assess their laws regarding children and social media platforms and their priorities. 

The Legislation

Currently trailing an age-verification system (such as biometrics or government identification), the legislation mandates a complete ban on underage children using social media, setting the age limit to 16 or above. Further, the law does not provide exemptions of any kind, be it for pre-existing accounts or parental consent. With federal elections approaching, the law seeks to address parental concerns regarding measures to protect their children from threats lurking on social media platforms. Every step in this regard is being observed with keen interest. 

The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, emphasised that the onus of taking responsible steps toward preventing access falls on the social media platforms, absolving parents and their children of the same. Social media platforms like TikTok, X, and Meta Platforms’ Facebook and Instagram all come under the purview of this legislation.

CyberPeace Overview

The issue of a complete age-based ban raises a few concerns:

1. It is challenging to enforce digitally as children might find a way to circumnavigate such restrictions. An example would be the Cinderella Law, formally known as the Shutdown Law, which the Government of South Korea had implemented back in 2011 to reduce online gaming and promote healthy sleeping habits among children. The law mandated the prohibition of access to online gaming for children under the age of 16 between 12 A.M. to 6 A.M. However, a few drawbacks rendered it less effective over time. Children were able to use the login IDs of adults, switch to VPN, and even switch to offline gaming. In addition, parents also felt the government was infringing on the right to privacy and the restrictions were only for online PC games and did not extend to mobile phones. Consequently, the law lost relevance and was repealed in 2021.  
2. The concept of age verification inherently requires collecting more personal data and inadvertently opens up concerns regarding individual privacy. 
3. A ban is likely to reduce the pressure on tech and social media companies to develop and work on areas that would make their services a safe child-friendly environment. 

Conclusion

Social media platforms can opt for an approach that focuses on how to create a safe environment online for children as they continue to deliberate on restrictions. An example of an impactful-yet-balanced step towards the protection of children on social media while respecting privacy is the U.K.'s Age-Appropriate Design Code (UK AADC). It is the U.K.’s implementation of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), prepared by the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office), the U.K. data protection regulator. It follows a safety-by-design approach for children. As we move towards a future that is predominantly online, we must continue to strive and create a safe space for children and address issues in innovative ways.

References

1. https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/social/australia-proposes-ban-on-social-media-for-children-under-16-9657544/
2. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/should-children-be-barred-from-social-media/article68661342.ece
3. https://forumias.com/blog/debates-on-whether-children-should-be-banned-from-social-media/
4. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/why-banning-kids-from-social-media-wont-solve-the-youth-mental-health-crisis/articleshow/113328111.cms
5. https://iapp.org/news/a/childrens-privacy-laws-and-freedom-of-expression-lessons-from-the-uk-age-appropriate-design-code
6. https://www.techinasia.com/s-koreas-cinderella-law-finally-growing-up-teens-may-soon-be-able-to-play-online-after-midnight-again
7. https://wp.towson.edu/iajournal/2021/12/13/video-gaming-addiction-a-case-study-of-china-and-south-korea/
8. https://www.dailysabah.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-passes-worlds-1st-total-social-media-ban-for-children

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Introduction

Misinformation has been a significant concern in recent times, especially in the online information landscape. This past month, misinformation has been linked to the communal tensions that have flared up in the North Tripura district. While the law enforcement agencies were quick to respond, misinformation about the law and order situation spread rapidly. Shri Amitabh Ranjanon, Tripura’s Director General of Police, issued a public statement on 21st October 2024, Monday, clarifying “The state's law and order situation has improved, and misinformation is being spread about it”. This instance is a classic example of how misinformation can affect the delivery of good governance to citizens or hamper the relationship between the citizenry and the state mechanisms. Such misinformation undermines the efforts of the law enforcement agencies striving to maintain peace, and distorted narratives can colour public opinion about the authorities and create cycles of misplaced distrust. 

DGP's Statement

DGP Amitabh Ranjanon clarified during an event to commemorate Police Commemoration Day, stating that the state has recorded a lesser number of crimes this year compared to the last 10 years. He emphasized that senior police officials promptly respond to any law and order issues and additional forces have been deployed as necessary. Ranjan highlighted the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja as a testament to the effective law enforcement measures in place, demonstrating communal harmony. 

Impact of Misinformation in communal settings

Misinformation in communal settings can cause anxiety, fear, and distrust among community members, leading to conflicts. It undermines public confidence in law enforcement and government institutions. The spread of false information can erode trust in law enforcement and government bodies, hindering their ability to address and solve conflicts. Therefore, precise data and accurate information are essential in every environment to avoid the harm caused by misinformation. 

Preventive Measures Against Misinformation

1. Look for authenticated sources

In a digital landscape filled with information from various sources, it’s essential to differentiate between credible and unreliable content. Authenticated sources are typically reputable organizations and officials. Users must rely on authenticated sources to ensure the information's accuracy and credibility. Users must verify the source, confirm the claims made in the source by comparing them with other credible sources for accuracy, and follow fact-checking practices.

2. Exercise caution on social media information

Social media platforms can rapidly disseminate information, but they can also serve as breeding grounds for misinformation. The ease of sharing content can lead to the spread of unverified claims, rumours, or even outright falsehoods. Therefore, exercising caution when engaging with information on these platforms is crucial. Users must scrutinize headlines and images as well, especially since misleading images can distort the truth with the advent of AI.  One must always read beyond the headline and check the context of the images used and not make split-second decisions and impressions. Users must engage in critical thinking and share informed opinions responsibly, to promote discussions about the validity of shared content.

3. Role of Awareness

Awareness about misinformation is essential for navigating the complexities of modern communication. People can make better decisions and help create a more informed society by being aware of the strategies used to disseminate false information. Users need to become knowledgeable about typical misinformation strategies, hone their cognitive abilities to critically assess internet content, and verify the reliability of sources before they form opinions, make decisions or share ahead.

Final words

By integrating these simple best practices into our daily lives we can cultivate a more informed public, reduce the spread of online misinformation, and enhance critical thinking skills among peers and the larger digital community.

References

1. https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2024/10/21/cal8-tr-dgp.html
2. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Oct/21/tripura-dgp-says-misinformation-being-spread-about-states-law-and-order-situation
3. https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/tripura/police-inaction-tripura-dgp-amitabh-ranjan-sharp-decline-crime-rate-9632509/
4. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Oct/21/tripura-dgp-says-misinformation-being-spread-about-states-law-and-order-situation

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Introduction

Cyber financial offences in India have experienced an alarming surge both in terms of frequency and complexity. Be it phishing attacks or organised fraud syndicates, the nation has been facing a spurt in online financial threats, which leave the victims at their mercy because of procedural lags on the part of law enforcement agencies. To counter this, the Government of India has stepped up measures to create a Cyber-Secure Bharat, focusing on speedy resolution, accountability, and digital empowerment. A key move in this direction is the introduction of the e-Zero FIR initiative, brought forth by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) with Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the helm. This newly developed digital-first system is expected to revolutionise the way cyber financial crimes, particularly those that result in high monetary losses, are handled and investigated.

What Is the e-Zero FIR Initiative?

The e-Zero FIR program is a technology-based platform that enables the automated registration of Zero FIRs for value cyber financial crimes. Led by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs, the programme is now piloted in Delhi and aims to fill a pressing lacuna: the time lag involved in transitioning cybercrime complaints to First Information Reports (FIRs).

Complaints of financial frauds worth more than ₹10 lakh, reported through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or helpline number 1930, will be automatically turned into e-Zero FIRs under this scheme. Such electronic FIRs are directed to the e-Crime Police Station in Delhi, regardless of jurisdiction, and then relayed to the corresponding territorial cybercrime unit. Complainants can visit the cybercrime Police Station within 3 days and get the Zero FIR converted into a regular FIR.

Key Features of the Initiative

1. Pilot Implementation in Delhi

Launched as a pilot project in Delhi, it will later serve as the first use case for the national rollout. The success of the pilot will determine its implementation in other states and Union Territories.

2. Seamless Digital Integration

The project provides strong back-end integration between:

• NCRP (National Cybercrime Reporting Portal)
• e-FIR System (Delhi Police)
• CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems – NCRB)

This integrated model enables complaints to pass smoothly between platforms and agencies.

3. Zero FIR Auto-Registration and Routing

Now, for complaints lodged through 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal related to financial losses exceeding the threshold of ₹10 lakh, the system will automatically register a Zero FIR to the e-Crime Police Station of Delhi and then route it to the concerned territorial cybercrime police station, triggering immediate case processing.

4. Victim-Centric Conversion Mechanism

Complainants are given 3 days from the time of filing to physically report to the police station and transform the e-Zero FIR into a conventional regular FIR under Section 173 (1) and 1(ii) of the newly enacted Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This ensures legal redress is quicker and easier.

Impact and Significance: The CyberPeace View

The e-Zero FIR system is a significant change in India's cybercrime enforcement, offering quicker response times and improved recovery opportunities. Cyber fraud reported within the "golden hour" can boost recovery levels of financial fraud. The system also eliminates jurisdictional barriers and procedural bottlenecks, making it more victim-friendly. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the initiative's alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a digitally resilient India. The system is a scalable national model of tech-based policing supported by organised digital workflows. The initiative allows for real-time analysis of fraud graphs and detection of fraud syndicates through identification and device-based clustering. This is a step towards more automated, context-aware cyber policing, focusing on AI, identity graphs, and velocity to prevent crimes. The system is a step towards a next-generation cyber law enforcement strategy, focusing on AI, identity graphs, and velocity.

Conclusion

The roll-out of the e-Zero FIR program is a turning point in India's battle against cybercrime. By marrying automation with inter-agency coordination and easy-to-use mechanisms, the government has eradicated one of the major stumbling blocks for victims, the delay in taking legal action. Though its pilot phase targets high-value financial frauds in Delhi, its potential for having a countrywide impact is vast. With digital transactions on the upswing and frauds getting more cunning, efforts like these are the key to making a safe, responsive, and victim-centric cyber environment. CyberPeace commends and welcomes this important move towards establishing a Cyber-Secure Bharat, wherein all citizens can make digital transactions with confidence.

References

• https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2129715
• https://www.mha.gov.in/en
• https://cybercrime.gov.in/
• https://www.ncrb.gov.in/
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/save/new-e-zero-fir-govt-launches-pilot-for-swift-action-against-cybercrimes-how-it-can-help-you/articleshow/121314437.cms?from=mdr

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