India Intensifies Fight Against Cyber Crime

The Indian government is ramping up its efforts to combat cyber crime, particularly focusing on digital arrest scams. As cyber crime falls under state jurisdiction, the Central Government is enhancing support for state law enforcement agencies through various initiatives. These measures include the establishment of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at educating citizens about the dangers of digital scams.

Strengthening Cyber Crime Response

The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken significant steps to address the rising threat of cyber crime in India. The newly established Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) serves as a central hub for managing all types of cyber crime, ensuring a coordinated response across the country. This initiative aims to streamline efforts among various law enforcement agencies and improve the overall effectiveness of cyber crime investigations.

In addition to the I4C, the government has launched a comprehensive awareness program targeting digital arrest scams. This initiative includes advertisements in newspapers, announcements in Delhi Metro stations, and campaigns on social media platforms. The government is also collaborating with Prasar Bharati to disseminate information through electronic media, ensuring that citizens are well-informed about the risks associated with cyber crime.

Public Awareness Initiatives

To further enhance public awareness, the Prime Minister addressed the issue of digital arrests during his “Mann Ki Baat” broadcast on October 27, 2024. This outreach aims to educate citizens about the tactics used by cyber criminals and how to protect themselves from becoming victims. The I4C has also partnered with the Department of Telecommunications to launch a caller tune campaign, promoting the Cyber Crime Helpline Number 1930 and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). This caller tune is broadcast multiple times a day in various regional languages, making it accessible to a broader audience.

As part of its proactive measures, the I4C has successfully identified and blocked thousands of Skype IDs and WhatsApp accounts linked to digital arrest scams. The government has also issued alerts regarding cyber criminals impersonating law enforcement agencies, warning citizens to remain vigilant against such fraudulent activities.

Technological Measures and Reporting Systems

The Central Government is implementing advanced technological measures to combat cyber crime effectively. A system has been devised to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls that appear to originate from Indian mobile numbers. This initiative aims to protect citizens from scams that exploit the trust associated with local numbers. As of February 28, 2025, over 781,000 SIM cards and more than 208,000 IMEIs have been blocked by authorities to curb fraudulent activities.

Additionally, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal has been launched to facilitate public reporting of cyber crime incidents, with a special focus on crimes against women and children. This portal allows citizens to report incidents, which are then processed by state law enforcement agencies in accordance with legal provisions. The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, introduced in 2021, has already saved over ₹4,386 crore through timely reporting of financial frauds.

Ongoing Efforts and Future Plans

The government continues to prioritize cyber safety through various outreach efforts. These include disseminating information via SMS, social media, and public campaigns. The I4C actively engages with citizens through platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, promoting awareness about cyber crime. Furthermore, the government organizes Cyber Safety and Security Awareness weeks in collaboration with state authorities and publishes educational materials for students and adolescents. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to creating a safer digital environment for all citizens. As cyber threats evolve, the focus remains on enhancing public awareness and strengthening law enforcement capabilities to effectively combat cyber crime.

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