INTER-DEPARTMENTAL PANEL TO COMBAT ‘DIGITAL ARRESTS’

NEWS: India has seen a sharp rise in “digital arrest” scams, where, fraudsters impersonate police, CBI, ED, courts, or RBI officials, victims are told they are “digitally arrested” via video call.

Digital Arrest

• Digital arrest is a cyber scam in which fraudsters impersonate law-enforcement agencies to extort money by creating fear and urgency.
• Not a legal concept
• Criminals use: Video calls, fake uniforms/backgrounds, fear of law enforcement
• Victims are isolated and coerced into compliance
• As of 2024, I4C has blocked over 59,000 WhatsApp accounts linked to digital arrests.

What action has the Government taken?

• The Union Government informed the Supreme Court of India that it has formed a high-level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) to tackle this menace
• Key Features of the Committee
• Formed on December 26
• Chaired by: Special Secretary (Internal Security), Ministry of Home Affairs
• Nature: High-level, multi-agency, inter-ministerial

Mandate & Functions of the IDC

• Examine digital arrest scams comprehensively
• Identify legal gaps, regulatory loopholes, implementation failures
• Guide enforcement agencies on real-time response, inter-agency coordination
• Suggest new rules/circulars, corrective measures, legislative or policy changes
• Assist the Supreme Court with inputs for future directions