#FactCheck -Prayagraj Celebration Video Falsely Shared as BJP Victory Celebration in West Bengal

Introduction

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, CERT-In, is the national statutory agency that responds to Cybersecurity Incidents under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of the Government of India. CERT-In and Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) have joined hands to develop a focused pool of Cybersecurity Leaders through the National Cyber Security Scholar Program (NCSSP). This National Cyber Security Scholar Program is to create a pool of credible and ethical cybersecurity leaders in the country who prioritise national cyber security in their professional endeavours. This program allows both organisations to jointly issue joint certifications for Cohort 6 of the National Cyber Security Scholar Program (NCSSP). This certification is provided to cybersecurity professionals who complete one of the world’s leading cybersecurity management programs.

About the Program

The National Cybersecurity Scholar (NCSS) is a comprehensive 18-week, 160-hour Instructor-led program for emerging cybersecurity leaders. The ISAC will conduct the program with CERT-IN and KDEM as knowledge partners. This Cyber Security Scholar program aims to provide an extraordinary opportunity, for scholars, to gain hands-on experience in real-world scenarios through activities such as war games. It will allow scholars to acquaint themselves with roles such as that of stakeholders,  including attackers, Security Operations Centre (SOC) teams, Forensicators, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), and CEOs, and engage in tabletop exercises that simulate a cyber crisis. This program would allow scholars to understand how responses to cyber crises impact the financial performance of an organisation, including, stock prices and sales.  It offers a treasure trove of insights into the economic impact of cybersecurity decisions and the importance of proactive risk management. 

The program invites applications from various scholars including Mid to senior-level leaders, diplomats and diplomatic corps officers, mid to senior-level government officials involved in homeland and cybersecurity operations, experienced executives from Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs), faculty members who specialise in new and emerging technologies, cybersecurity professionals in CII sectors and post-doctoral or research scholars in cybersecurity. 

CyberPeace Outlook

The National Cyber Security Scholar Program subsumes several key dimensions working towards building a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem for India.

1. The program focuses on skill development and enhancing scholars’ knowledge in domains of network security, ethical hacking, cyber forensics, incident response, malware analysis, and threat intelligence. 
2. The partnership between CERT-In and ISAC, government and Industry entities, ensures that scholars are exposed to different policy-level frameworks and technical expertise, offering a unique blend of perspectives that cater to the country's national security goals and industry best practices.
3. The scholar program encourages the development of new methodologies, tools, and frameworks that could be instrumental in tackling future cyber challenges and advancing India's position as a global leader in cybersecurity research and development. Research and innovation in cybersecurity are critical to the program.
4. It plays a significant role in providing opportunities for career development by further providing networking platforms with professionals, researchers, and thought leaders in the cybersecurity field, giving them exposure to internships, job placements, and further academic pursuits.

This program aims to support upskilling India’s broader cyber defence strategy through the creation of highly skilled professionals. The scholars are expected to contribute actively to national cybersecurity efforts, whether through roles in government, private sector, or academia, helping to create a more secure and resilient cyberspace. The National Cyber Security Scholar Program is a major advancement in strengthening cybersecurity resilience in India. In a digital world where cyber threats crossing boundaries, such programs are essential for maintaining our national security and economic stability.

References

• https://theprint.in/ani-press-releases/cert-in-and-isac-collaborate-to-develop-focussed-pool-of-cybersecurity-leaders-through-the-national-cyber-security-scholar-program-ncssp/2318021/ 
• https://isacfoundation.org/national-cyber-security-scholar/
• https://cyberversefoundation.org/national-cyber-security-scholar/ 

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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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India’s online gaming industry has grown at lightning speed, drawing millions of users across age groups. From casual games and e-sports to fantasy leagues and online poker, digital entertainment has become both a social and economic phenomenon. But with this growth came rising concerns of addiction, financial loss, misleading ads, and even criminal misuse of gaming platforms for illegal betting. To address these concerns, the Government of India introduced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act and draft Rules in October 2025. While the Act represents a crucial step toward accountability and user protection, it also raises difficult questions about freedom, innovation, and investor confidence.

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The Current Legal Framework

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The 2025 Act, along with corresponding changes in the Information Technology and GST laws, aims to create a safer and more transparent gaming environment.

1. Ban on real-money games:

Any online game where money is involved, whether it’s entry fees, bets, or prizes, is now banned, regardless of whether it is based on skill or chance. As a result, previously permitted formats such as fantasy sports, rummy, and poker once defended as “games of skill” now fall within the category of banned activities.

 2. Promotion of e-sports and social gaming

Not all gaming is banned. Casual games, e-sports, and social games that don’t involve money are fully allowed. The government is encouraging these as part of India’s growing digital economy.

3. Advertising and financial restrictions: Banks, payment gateways, and advertisers cannot facilitate or promote real-money games. Any platform offering deposits or prize pools can be blocked.

4. Central regulatory authority: The law establishes a national body to classify games, monitor compliance, and address complaints. It has the power to order the locking of violative content and websites.

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Why Regulation Was Needed

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The push for regulation came after a surge in online betting scams, debt-related suicides, and disputes about whether certain apps were skill-based or chance-based. State governments had taken conflicting positions, some banning, others licensing such games. Meanwhile, offshore gaming apps operated freely in India’s grey market.

The 2025 Act thus attempts to impose uniformity, protect minors, and bring moral and fiscal discipline to a rapidly expanding digital frontier. Its underlying philosophy resembles that of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, encouraging responsible use of technology rather than an unregulated free-for-all.

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Key Challenges and Gaps

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(a) Clarity of Definitions

The Act bans all real-money games, ignoring the difference between skill-based games and chance-based games. This could lead to legal challenges under Article 19(1)(g), which protects the right to do business. Games like rummy or fantasy cricket, which need real skill, arguably shouldn’t be banned outright

(b) Weak Consumer and Child Protection

Although age verification and KYC are mandated, compliance at the user-end remains uncertain. India needs a Responsible Gaming Code covering:

• Spending limits and cooling-off periods;
• Self-exclusion options;
• Transparent disclosure of odds; and
• Algorithmic fairness audits.
  These measures can help mitigate addiction and prevent exploitation of minors.

(c) Federal Conflicts

“Betting and gambling” fall within the State List under India’s Constitution, yet the 2025 Act seeks national uniformity. States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka already have independent bans. Without harmonisation, legal disputes between state and central authorities could multiply. A cooperative federal framework allowing states to adopt central norms voluntarily could offer flexibility without fragmentation.

(d) Regulatory Transparency

The gaming regulator has a lot of power, like deciding which games are allowed and blocking websites. But it’s not clear who chooses its members or how people can challenge its decisions. Including court oversight, public input, and regular reporting would make the regulator fairer and more reliable.

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What’s Next for India’s Online Gaming

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India’s online gaming scene is at a turning point. Banning all money-based games might reduce risks, but it also slows innovation and limits opportunities. A better approach could be to license skill-based or low-risk games with proper KYC and audits, set up a Responsible Gaming Charter with input from government, industry, and civil society, and create rules for offshore platforms targeting Indian players. Player data should be protected under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and the law should be reviewed every few years to keep up with new tech like the metaverse, NFTs, and AI-powered games.

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Conclusion

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CyberPeace has already provided its detailed feedback to MEITy as on 30th October, 2025 hopes the finalised rules are released soon with the acknowledgment of the challenges discussed. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, marks an important turning point since this is India’s first serious attempt to bring order to a chaotic digital arena. The goal is to keep players safe, stop crime, and hold platforms accountable. But the tricky part is moving away from blanket bans. We need rules that let new ideas grow, respect people’s rights, and keep players safe. With a few smart changes and fair enforcement, India could have a gaming industry that’s safe, responsible, and ready to compete globally.

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References 

1. https://ssrana.in/articles/indias-online-gaming-bill-2025-regulation-prohibition-and-the-future-of-digital-play/ 
2. https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.economictimes.com/news/economy/policy/new-online-gaming-law-takes-effect-money-games-banned-from-today/amp_articleshow/124255401.cms 
3. https://www.google.com/amp/s/timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/government-proposes-to-make-violation-of-online-money-game-rules-non-bailable-draft-rules-ban-/amp_articleshow/124277740.cms 
4. https://www.egf.org.in/ 
5. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=155075&ModuleId=3 

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