Digital Arrest Scams: The Supreme Court of India has been informed by the Union Government that WhatsApp, a popular messaging and video calling app, has agreed to evaluate the feasibility of blocking device IDs and not just accounts that have been associated with digital arrest scams.
The Union Government also requested the backing from the judiciary for a coordinated framework on a national level covering telecom regulators, banks and investigating agencies.
Update On SC Process Related To Digital Arrest Scams
A bench led by Surya Kant, the Chief Justice of India, is likely to evaluate the status report that was filed by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs. This report lays down a series of enforcement measures across banking safeguards, SIM traceability, platform accountability and a legal framework on compensation for victims.
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These measures constitute a considerable escalation ever since the country’s highest court formed an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) for addressing the pandemic of digital arrests and scams.
What Led To The Development?
Constituted on December 26, the IDC decided that victims should not be bearing losses that are attributable to negligence by telecom providers, banks or other regulated entities. On October 17, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance after fake SC orders were used by fraudsters posing as CBI officials to cheat a 73-year-old Ambala woman after she was compelled to transfer more than Rs 1 crore.
It came to notice of the law enforcement agencies that fraudsters routinely cycle via a series of SIM cards and accounts while they were still operating from the same handset.
5 Ways To Protect Yourself From Digital Arrest Traps
- Never share OTPs, PINs, or passwords with anyone
- Do not trust unknown calls claiming legal or police action
- Verify identities through official government websites or contacts
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or messages
- Be cautious of urgent or fear-inducing messages demanding action
WhatsApp has also agreed to evaluate the option of data retention of deleted accounts for a minimum of 180 days under the Information Technology Rules to law enforcement agencies could trace digital footprints when accounts are quickly deleted after committing a fraud.
