#FactCheck - Virat Kohli's Ganesh Chaturthi Video Falsely Linked to Ram Mandir Inauguration

Introduction:

CDR is a term that refers to Call detail records, The Telecom Industries holds the call details data of the users. As it amounts to a large amount of data, the telecom companies retain the data for a period of 6 months. CDR plays a significant role in investigations and cases in the courts. It can be used as pivotal evidence in court proceedings to prove or disprove certain facts & circumstances. Power of Interception of Call detail records is allowed for reasonable grounds and only by the authorized authority as per the laws. 

‍

Admissibility of CDR’s in Courts:

Call Details Records (CDRs) can be used as effective pieces of evidence to assist the court in ascertaining the facts of the particular case and inquiring about the commission of an offence, and according to the judicial pronouncements, it is made clear that CDRs can be used supporting or secondary evidence in the court. However, it cannot be the sole basis of the conviction. Section 92 of the Criminal Procedure Code 1973 provides procedure and empowers certain authorities to apply for court or competent authority intervention to seek the CDR. 

‍

Legal provisions to obtain CDR:

The CDR can be obtained under the statutory provisions of law contained in section 92 Criminal Procedure Code, 1973. Or under section 5(2) of Indian Telegraph Act 1885, read with rule 419(A) Indian Telegraph Amendment rule 2007. The guidelines were also issued in 2016 by Ministry of Ministry of Home Affairs for seeking Call details records (CDRs)

‍

How long is CDR stored with telecom Companies (Data Retention)

Call Data is retained by telecom companies for a period of 6 months. As the data amounts to high storage, almost several Petabytes per year, telecom companies store the call details data for a period of 6 months and archive the rest of it to tapes. 

‍

New Delhi 25Cr jewellery heist 

Recently, an incident took place where a 25-crore jewellery theft was carried out in a jewellery shop in Delhi, It was planned and executed by a man from Chhattisgarh. After committing the crime, the criminal went back to Chhattisgarh. It was a case of a 25Cr heist, and the police started their search & investigation. Police used technology and analysed the mobile numbers which were active at the crime scene. Delhi police used advanced software to analyse data. The police were able to trace the mobile number of thieves or suspects active at the crime scene. They discovered suspected contacts who were active within the range of the crime scene, and it helped in the arrest of the main suspects.  From around 5,000 mobile numbers active around the crime scene, police have used advanced software that analyses huge data, and then police found a number registered outside of Delhi.  The surveillance on the number has revealed that the suspected criminal has moved to the MP from Delhi, then moved further to Bhilai Chattisgarh. Police have successfully arrested the suspected criminal. This incident highlights how technology or call data can assist law enforcement agencies in investigating and finding the real culprits.

‍

Conclusion: 

CDR refers to call detail records retained by telecom companies for a period of 6 months, it can be obtained through lawful procedure and by competent authorities only. CDR can be helpful in cases before the court or law enforcement agencies, to assist the court and law enforcement agencies in ascertaining the facts of the case or to prove or disprove certain things. It is important to reiterated that unauthorized seeking of CDR is not allowed; the intervention of the court or competent authority is required to seek the CDR from the telecom companies. CDRs cannot be unauthorizedly obtained, and there has to be a directive from the court or competent authority to do so.

‍

References:

• https://indianlegalsystem.org/cdr-the-wonder-word/#:~:text=CDR%20is%20admissible%20as%20secondary,the%20Indian%20Evidence%20Act%2C%201872.
• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/needle-in-a-haystack-how-cops-scanned-5k-mobile-numbers-to-crack-rs-25cr-heist/articleshow/104055687.cms?from=mdr
• https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/just-one-man-planned-executed-rs-25-crore-delhi-heist-another-thief-did-him-in-4436494

‍

Introduction

The Indian government has developed the National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF) to provide an implementable measure for cybersecurity, based on existing legislations, policies, and guidelines. The National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre is responsible for the framework. The government is expected to recommend enterprises, particularly those in critical sectors like banking, telecom, and energy, to use only security products and services developed in India. The NCRF aims to ensure that cybersecurity is protected and that the use of made-in-India products is encouraged to safeguard cyber infrastructure. The Centre is expected to emphasise the significant progress in developing indigenous cybersecurity products and solutions.

National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF)

The Indian government has developed the National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF), a guideline that sets the standard for cybersecurity in India. The framework focuses on critical sectors and provides guidelines to help organisations develop strong cybersecurity systems. It can serve as a template for critical sector entities to develop their own governance and management systems. The government has identified telecom, power, transportation, finance, strategic entities, government entities, and health as critical sectors.

The NCRF is non-binding in nature, meaning its recommendations will not be binding. It recommends enterprises allocate at least 10% of their total IT budget towards cybersecurity, with monitoring by top-level management or the board of directors. The framework may suggest that national nodal agencies evolve platforms and processes for machine-processing data from different sources to ensure proper audits and rate auditors based on performance.

Regulators overseeing critical sectors may have greater powers to set rules for information security and define information security requirements to ensure proper audits. They also need an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS) instance to access sensitive data and deficiencies related to operations in the critical sector. The policy is based on a Common but Differentiated Responsibility (CBDR) approach, recognising that different organisations have varying levels of cybersecurity needs and responsibilities.

India faces a barrage of cybersecurity-related incidents, such as the high-profile attack on AIIMS Delhi in 2022. Many ministries feel hamstrung by the lack of an overarching framework on cybersecurity when formulating sector-specific legislation. In recent years, threat actors backed by nation-states and organised cyber-criminal groups have attempted to target the critical information infrastructure (CII) of the government and enterprises. The current guiding framework on cybersecurity for critical infrastructure in India comes from the National Cybersecurity Policy of 2013. From 2013 to 2023, the world has evolved significantly due to the emergence of new threats necessitating the development of new strategies.

Significance in the realm of Critical Infrastructure  

India faces numerous cybersecurity incidents due to a lack of a comprehensive framework.  Critical Information Infrastructure like banking, energy, healthcare, telecommunications, transportation, strategic enterprises, and government enterprises are most targeted by threat actors, including nation-states and cybercriminals. These critical information sectors especially by their vary nature as they hold sensitive data make them prime targets for cyber threats and attacks. Cyber-attacks can compromise patient privacy, disrupt services, compromise control systems, pose safety risks, and disrupt critical services. Hence it is of paramount importance to come up with NCRF which can potentially address the emerging issues by providing sector-specific guidelines.

The Indian government is considering promoting the use of made-in-India products to enhance Cyber Infrastructure

India is preparing to recommend the use of domestically developed cybersecurity products and services, particularly for critical sectors like banking, telecom, and energy, to enhance national security in the face of escalating cybersecurity threats. The initiative aims to enhance national security in response to increasing cybersecurity threats.

Conclusion

Promoting locally made cybersecurity products and services in important industries shows India's commitment to strengthening national security. A step of coming up with the National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF) which outlines duties, responsibilities, and recommendations for organisations and regulators shows the critical step towards a comprehensive cybersecurity policy framework which is a need of the hour. The government underscoring made-in-India solutions and allocating cybersecurity resources underlines its determination to protect the country's cyber infrastructure in light of increasing cyber threats & attacks.  The NCRF is expected to help draft sector-specific guidelines on cyber security.

References

• https://indianexpress.com/article/business/market/overhaul-of-cybersecurity-framework-to-safeguard-cyber-infra-govt-may-push-use-of-made-in-india-products-9133687/
• https://vajiramandravi.com/upsc-daily-current-affairs/mains-articles/national-cybersecurity-reference-framework-ncrf/
• https://m.toppersnotes.com/current-affairs/blog/to-push-cyber-infra-govt-may-push-use-of-made-in-india-products-DxQP
• https://appkida.in/overhaul-of-cybersecurity-framework-in-2024/

‍

 Introduction

Children today are growing up amidst technology, and the internet has become an important part of their lives. The internet provides a wealth of recreational and educational options and learning environments to children, but it also presents extensively unseen difficulties, particularly in the context of deepfakes and misinformation. AI is capable of performing complex tasks in a fast time. However, misuse of AI technologies led to increasing cyber crimes. The growing nature of cyber threats can have a negative impact on children wellbeing and safety while using the Internet.  

 India's Digital Environment

India has one of the world's fastest-growing internet user bases, and young netizens here are getting online every passing day. The internet has now become an inseparable part of their everyday lives, be it social media or online courses. But the speed at which the digital world is evolving has raised many privacy and safety concerns increasing the chance of exposure to potentially dangerous content.

 Misinformation: The raising Concern

Today, the internet is filled with various types of misinformation, and youngsters are especially vulnerable to its adverse effects. With the diversity in the language and culture in India, the spread of misinformation can have a vast negative impact on society. In particular, misinformation in education has the power to divulge young brains and create hindrances in their cognitive development. 

To address this issue, it is important that parents, academia, government, industry and civil society start working together to promote digital literacy initiatives that educate children to critically analyse online material which can ease navigation in the digital realm.

DeepFakes: The Deceptive Mirage:

Deepfakes, or digitally altered videos and/or images made with the use of artificial intelligence, pose a huge internet threat. The possible ramifications of deepfake technology are concerning in India, since there is a high level of dependence on the media. Deepfakes can have far-reaching repercussions, from altering political narratives to disseminating misleading information.

Addressing the deepfake problem demands a multifaceted strategy. Media literacy programs should be integrated into the educational curriculum to assist youngsters in distinguishing between legitimate and distorted content. Furthermore, strict laws as well as technology developments are required to detect and limit the negative impact of deepfakes.

Safeguarding Children in Cyberspace

●   Parental Guidance and Open Communication: Open communication and parental guidance are essential for protecting children's internet safety. It's a necessity to have open discussions about the possible consequences and appropriate internet use. Understanding the platforms and material children are consuming online, parents should actively participate in their children's online activities.

●  Educational Initiatives: Comprehensive programs for digital literacy must be implemented in educational settings. Critical thinking abilities, internet etiquette, and knowledge of the risks associated with deepfakes and misinformation should all be included in these programs. Fostering a secure online environment requires giving young netizens the tools they need to question and examine digital content.

●   Policies and Rules: Admitting the threats or risks posed by misuse of advanced technologies such as AI and deepfake, the Indian government is on its way to coming up with dedicated legislation to tackle the issues arising from misuse of deepfake technology by the bad actors. The government has recently come up with an advisory to social media intermediaries to identify misinformation and deepfakes and to make sure of the compliance of Information Technology (IT) Rules 2021. It is the legal obligation of online platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation and exercise due diligence or reasonable efforts are made to identify misinformation and deepfakes. Legal frameworks need to be equipped to handle the challenges posed by AI. Accountability in AI is a complex issue that requires comprehensive legal reforms. In light of various cases reported about the misuse of deepfakes and spreading such deepfake content on social media, It is advocated that there is a need to adopt and enforce strong laws to address the challenges posed by misinformation and deepfakes. Working with technological companies to implement advanced content detection tools and ensuring that law enforcement takes swift action against those who misuse technology will act as a deterrent among cyber crooks. 

●    Digital parenting: It is important for parents to keep up with the latest trends and digital technologies. Digital parenting includes understanding privacy settings, monitoring online activity, and using parental control tools to create a safe online environment for children.

Conclusion

As India continues to move forward digitally, protecting children in cyberspace has become a shared responsibility. By promoting digital literacy, encouraging open communication and enforcing strong laws, we can create a safer online environment for younger generations. Knowledge, understanding, and active efforts to combat misinformation and deeply entrenched myths are the keys to unlocking the safety net in the online age. Social media Intermediaries or platforms must ensure compliance under IT Rules 2021, IT Act, 2000 and the newly enacted Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. It is the shared responsibility of the government, parents & teachers, users and organisations to establish safe online space for children.   

References:

• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1975445
• https://www.safes.so/blogs/dangers-of-deepfake/