Using incognito mode and VPN may still not ensure total privacy, according to expert

In the vast, interconnected cosmos of the internet, where knowledge and connectivity are celebrated as the twin suns of enlightenment, there lurk shadows of a more sinister nature. Here, in these darker corners, the innocence of childhood is not only exploited but also scarred, indelibly and forever. The production, distribution, and consumption of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) have surged to alarming levels globally, casting a long, ominous shadow over the digital landscape. 

In response to this pressing issue, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has unfurled a comprehensive four-part advisory, a beacon of hope aimed at combating CSAM and safeguarding the rights of children in this digital age. This advisory dated 27/10/23 is not merely a reaction to the rising tide of CSAM, but a testament to the imperative need for constant vigilance in the realm of cyber peace.

The statistics paint a sobering picture. In 2021, more than 1,500 instances of publishing, storing, and transmitting CSAM were reported, shedding a harsh light on the scale of the problem. Even more alarming is the upward trend in cases reported in subsequent years. By 2023, a staggering 450,207 cases of CSAM had already been reported, marking a significant increase from the 204,056 and 163,633 cases reported in 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Key Aspects of Advisory

The NHRC's advisory commences with a fundamental recommendation - a redefinition of terminology. It suggests replacing the term 'Child Pornography' with 'Child Sexual Abuse Material' (CSAM). This shift in language is not merely semantic; it underscores the gravity of the issue, emphasizing that this is not about pornography but child abuse. 

Moreover, the advisory calls for the definition of 'sexually explicit' under Section 67B of the IT Act, 2000. This step is crucial for ensuring the prompt identification and removal of online CSAM. By giving a clear definition, law enforcement can act swiftly in removing such content from the internet.

The digital world knows no borders, and CSAM can easily cross jurisdictional lines. NHRC recognizes this challenge and proposes that laws be harmonized across jurisdictions through bilateral agreements. Moreover, it recommends pushing for the adoption of a UN draft Convention on 'Countering the Use of Information and Communications Technologies for Criminal Purposes' at the General Assembly.

One of the critical aspects of the advisory is the strengthening of law enforcement. NHRC advocates for the creation of Specialized State Police Units in every state and union territory to handle CSAM-related cases. The central government is expected to provide support, including grants, to set up and equip these units. 

The NHRC further recommends establishing a Specialized Central Police Unit under the government of India's jurisdiction. This unit will focus on identifying and apprehending CSAM offenders and maintaining a repository of such content. Its role is not limited to law enforcement; it is expected to cooperate with investigative agencies, analyze patterns, and initiate the process for content takedown. This coordinated approach is designed to combat the problem effectively, both on the dark web and open web.

The role of internet intermediaries and social media platforms in controlling CSAM is undeniable. The NHRC advisory emphasizes that intermediaries must deploy technology, such as content moderation algorithms, to proactively detect and remove CSAM from their platforms. This places the onus on the platforms to be proactive in policing their content and ensuring the safety of their users. 

New Developments 

Platforms using end-to-end encryption services may be required to create additional protocols for monitoring the circulation of CSAM. Failure to do so may invite the withdrawal of the 'safe harbor' clause under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000. This measure ensures that platforms using encryption technology are not inadvertently providing safe havens for those engaged in illegal activities. 

NHRC's advisory extends beyond legal and law enforcement measures; it emphasizes the importance of awareness and sensitization at various levels. Schools, colleges, and institutions are called upon to educate students, parents, and teachers about the modus operandi of online child sexual abusers, the vulnerabilities of children on the internet, and the early signs of online child abuse. 

To further enhance awareness, a cyber curriculum is proposed to be integrated into the education system. This curriculum will not only boost digital literacy but also educate students about relevant child care legislation, policies, and the legal consequences of violating them. 

NHRC recognizes that survivors of CSAM need more than legal measures and prevention strategies. Survivors are recommended to receive support services and opportunities for rehabilitation through various means. Partnerships with civil society and other stakeholders play a vital role in this aspect. Moreover, psycho-social care centers are proposed to be established in every district to facilitate need-based support services and organization of stigma eradication programs. 

NHRC's advisory is a resounding call to action, acknowledging the critical importance of protecting children from the perils of CSAM. By addressing legal gaps, strengthening law enforcement, regulating online platforms, and promoting awareness and support, the NHRC aims to create a safer digital environment for children. 

Conclusion 

In a world where the internet plays an increasingly central role in our lives, these recommendations are not just proactive but imperative. They underscore the collective responsibility of governments, law enforcement agencies, intermediaries, and society as a whole in safeguarding the rights and well-being of children in the digital age. 

NHRC's advisory is a pivotal guide to a more secure and child-friendly digital world. By addressing the rising tide of CSAM and emphasizing the need for constant vigilance, NHRC reaffirms the critical role of organizations, governments, and individuals in ensuring cyber peace and child protection in the digital age. The active contribution from premier cyber resilience firms like Cyber Peace Foundation, amplifies the collective action forging a secure digital space, highlighting the pivotal role played by think tanks in ensuring cyber peace and resilience. 

References:

• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nhrc-issues-advisory-regarding-child-sexual-abuse-material-on-internet-101698473197792.html
• https://ssrana.in/articles/nhrcs-advisory-proliferation-of-child-sexual-abuse-material-csam/
• https://theprint.in/india/specialised-central-police-unit-use-of-technology-to-proactively-detect-csam-nhrc-advisory/1822223/

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Introduction

The Kumbh Mela is known worldwide as India's most significant pilgrimage and has earned a place on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2017.  This year, the Maha Kumbh will be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, with 40 crore devotees from all over the world expected to attend this momentous event from January 13th  to 26th February 2025. As the world embraces the blessings of digitalisation, people are increasingly relying on the Internet for arranging their travel, booking rooms, and securing accommodations for this grand spiritual journey. 

However, amidst this digital age, where the conveniences offered are manifold, there also lurks the shadow of deceit. Cybercriminals are finding innovative ways to entrap innocent individuals. Fraudulent activities are on the rise, with wrongdoers operating fake websites that promise secure bookings for cottages, tents, and other accommodations for the Mahakumbh event. Like the deceptive mirage that the desert traveller may mistakenly believe to be an oasis, these malicious sites lure pilgrims with the false hope of easy arrangements, only to exploit their trust and commit malicious cyber fraudulent activities. 

Policy and Preventive Measures Taken by Government

This year, the government has taken steps to utilise digitalisation services to enhance the experience of devotees, blending innovation with tradition. However, considering the rise in cyber scams, a dedicated cyber police station has also been established at Maha Kumbh 2025 to address threats such as the misuse of AI, the dark web, and social media platforms. This initiative aims to protect devotees from potential scams.

To strengthen safety measures, a special team of selected officers from across the state has been deployed in Mahakumbh Nagar, Prayagraj, to provide cybersecurity and ensure the safety of pilgrims. A dedicated cyber police station or digital police station will ensure round-the-clock monitoring of cyberspace.

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The cybersecurity team has already identified 44 suspicious websites and initiated action against them. To further safeguard devotees attending Maha Kumbh 2025, a large-scale awareness campaign is being conducted to educate users about potential cyber threats.

The Role of Digital Discipline in Navigating the Uncharted Waters of the Internet

As the Yajurveda (ancient Vedic scriptures of Hinduism) reminds us ‘सत्यं चानृतं च सत्यं अभवत्, यदेतत् तपसा तप्यताम्।’. This learning translates into English as "Truth and falsehood are both present, yet truth is purified through intense discipline”. The Mahakumbh is a confluence not just of rivers but of faith and humanity's eternal quest for truth (Satyam). In the digital age, this vigilance extends to protecting ourselves from cyber frauds and scams that exploit the sanctity of occasions like the Mahakumbh. Just as devotees seek purity through holy rituals, we must also embrace Digital Discipline to navigate the confluence of tradition and technology safely.

Here are some Digital Discipline best practices you must follow:

• Be cautious of fake websites, fraudulent travel agencies, and scam bookings. Always verify legitimacy before engaging in any  transactions.  
• Stay alert for fake donation requests and only contribute to verified organizations.
• Be aware of any mis/disinformation and implausible claims surrounding the Mahakumbh event and verify it from authenticated sources. The official website of Mahakumbh is https://kumbh.gov.in.
• To report any cybercrime or issue, you can report it on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in/, equipped with a 24x7 helpline 1930 that serves as a powerful resource available to the victims of cybercrimes to report their cases.

Conclusion

Netizens worldwide must prioritise Digital Discipline to ensure they are safeguarded from the snares of these cyber miscreants, so that they may safely and joyfully embark on their journey to the Maha Kumbh and receive divine blessings and purity of purpose through the experience.

References

• https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/up-police-gets-on-its-toes-to-ensure-cyber-safe-maha-kumbh-3335911
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/four-cyber-crooks-held-for-operating-fake-booking-websites-101735326388201.html
• https://www.indiatvnews.com/uttar-pradesh/maha-kumbh-2025-cyber-police-station-set-up-in-prayagraj-to-safeguard-devotees-from-online-frauds-in-city-preparation-security-other-details-2024-12-11-965745
• https://organiser.org/2024/12/12/268915/bharat/mahakumbh-2025-cyber-police-station-set-up-to-protect-devotees-from-ai-and-social-media-scammers/
• https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/maha-kumbh-56-cyber-warriors-deployed-to-safeguard-devotees-against-online-scams/2135062

Executive Summary:

A widely circulated social media post claims that the Government of India has reportedly opened an account—Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualty—at Canara Bank to support the modernization of the Indian Army and assist injured or martyred soldiers. Citizens can voluntarily contribute starting from ₹1, with no upper limit. The fund is said to have been launched based on a suggestion by actor Akshay Kumar, which was later acknowledged by the Prime Minister of India through Mann Ki Baat and social media platforms. However, the fact is that no such decision has been taken by the cabinet recently, and no such decision has been officially announced.

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Claim:

A viral social media post claims that the Government of India has launched a new initiative aimed at modernizing the Indian Army and supporting battle casualties through public donations. According to the post, a special bank account has been created to enable citizens to contribute directly toward the procurement of arms and equipment for the armed forces.

It further states that this initiative was introduced following a Cabinet decision and was inspired by a suggestion from Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, which was reportedly acknowledged by the Prime Minister during his Mann Ki Baat address.

The post encourages individuals to donate any amount starting from ₹1, with no upper limit, and estimates that widespread public participation could generate up to ₹36,000 crore annually to support the armed forces. It also lists two bank accounts—one at Canara Bank (Account No: 90552010165915) and another at State Bank of India (Account No: 40650628094)—allegedly designated for the "Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund."

The statement said,” The government established a range of welfare schemes for soldiers killed or disabled while undertaking military operations in recent combat. In 2020, the government established the 'Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund (AFBCWF)', which is used to provide immediate financial assistance to families of soldiers, sailors and airmen who lose their lives or sustain grievous injury as a result of active military service.” 

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We also found a similar post from the past, which can be seen here.
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Fact Check:

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The Press Information Bureau (PIB) have responded to the viral post stating that it is misleading, and the Government has not launched any message inviting public donations towards the modernisation of the Indian Army or for purchasing Weapons for the army. The only known official initiative by the Ministry of Defence is the "Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund", which is an initiative set up to support the families of our soldiers who have been marshalled or grievously disabled in the line of duty, not for buying military equipment.

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In addition, the bank account details mentioned in the Viral post are false, and donations and charitable donations submitted to the account have been dishonoured. 

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The other false claim says that actor Akshay Kumar is promoting or heading this message-there is no official/disclosure record or announcement related to him leading or sponsoring this project. Having said that in 2017, Akshay Kumar encouraged public contributions of just one rupee per month to support the armed forces, through a web portal called “Bharat Ke Veer”. The platform was developed in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs

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Citizens have to rely on only official government sources and ignore misleading messages on such social media platforms.

Conclusion:

The viral social media post suggesting that the Government of India has initiated a donation drive for the modernisation of the Indian Army and the purchase of weapons is misleading and inaccurate. According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), no such initiative has been launched by the government, and the bank account details provided in the post are false, with reported cases of dishonoured transactions. The only legitimate initiative is the Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund (AFBCWF), which provides financial assistance to the families of soldiers who are martyred or seriously injured in the line of duty. While actor Akshay Kumar played a key role in launching the Bharat Ke Veer portal in 2017 to support paramilitary personnel, he has no official connection to the viral claims.

• Claim: The government has launched a public donation message to fund Army weapon purchases.
• Claimed On:  Social Media
• Fact Check: False and Misleading

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