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A New Face of Cybercrime: Digital Arrest Through Fear and Impersonation In a disturbing instance of cyber-enabled fraud, a Delhi-based doctor couple was allegedly kept under what investigators describe as “digital arrest” for over two weeks and duped of nearly ₹14.85 crore by fraudsters impersonating officials from law enforcement agencies. The case exposes how fear of arrest, misuse of national security rhetoric, and impersonation of authorities are being deployed to psychologically restrain victims and extract large sums of money without physical confinement. Timeline of the Alleged Fraud According to Delhi Police, the fraud occurred between December 24 and January 9 , during which the accused maintained continuous contact with the victims through phone and video calls. An e-FIR was registered on Saturday , and the Cyber Crime Unit of Delhi Police has launched a full-scale investigation to trace the bank accounts and individuals involved. How the ‘Digital Arrest’ Began Victim In...

Introduction: Government Mandates Pre-Installation of Sanchar Saathi The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a new directive requiring all original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on every new mobile handset manufactured or imported for sale in India. The circular, issued on Monday, instructs companies such as Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo and others to ensure that the app is clearly visible to users at the time of first use or device setup , and that its core functionalities must remain fully operational without restrictions. What is Sanchar Saathi? (From the above para: “Whatis Sanchar Saathi?”) Launched in May 2023 , Sanchar Saathi is a centralized telecom security and consumer protection platform developed by the DoT. It integrates multiple services designed to prevent telecom fraud, track misuse of mobile resources, and assist users in safeguarding their devices. Key functionalities include: Repo...

1. Background of the Incident The Delhi Police recently arrested a 19-year-old Class 12 dropout, Aman, from Hisar, Haryana, for allegedly duping multiple individuals by offering heavily discounted iPhones through fake social media pages. Acting on digital trail evidence, the police traced his mobile number to his village and apprehended him through a late-night raid. According to the investigation, Aman had learned online fraud techniques from local cybercriminals. To conceal the proceeds of fraud, he transferred the money through multiple bank accounts. Victims were lured using manipulated images, forged screenshots of previous deliveries, and UPI payment links that appeared legitimate. One complainant stated that he made 29 UPI transactions totalling ₹65,782 , after being persuaded with false explanations regarding shipping and tax charges. No product was delivered, and communication was blocked afterward. The police have so far identified at least eight similar complaints , and...

TikTok, owned by China’s ByteDance, has begun hiring for two roles at its Gurgaon office , sparking speculation that the popular short-video app might soon return to India. However, government officials have clarified that TikTok remains banned , and no official order has been issued to unblock it. TikTok’s Recent Hiring Activity TikTok India has posted two job openings on LinkedIn: Content Moderator (Bengali Speaker), Trust and Safety Wellbeing Partnership and Operations Lead, Trust and Safety The recruitment news comes shortly after TikTok India’s official website became accessible again, fueling speculation about a potential comeback. However, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has stated that these rumors are incorrect, and TikTok remains banned on Google Play Store and Apple App Store . The 2020 Ban on TikTok in India TikTok was banned in India in June 2020 under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 , citing national s...

Delhi High Court Issues Notice to Centre on PIL Against Drone Federation of India Over Alleged Forgery Court Issues Notice to Centre The Delhi High Court on Wednesday expressed displeasure with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) while issuing notice on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed against the Drone Federation of India over allegations of forgery. The bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay , also comprising Justice Tushar Rao Gedela , orally remarked that the DGCA should have filed a complaint and registered an FIR regarding the forgery . DGCA, MCA Directed to Submit Reports The court also directed DGCA, MCA, and other authorities to submit separate reports on the status of the investigation. The matter is scheduled for a detailed hearing on March 19, 2025 . The bench also questioned how a private entity could present itself as a government organisation . Government Response & Alleged Forgery Durin...

Detailed Analysis of the Digital Personal Data Protection  Rules, 2025 Introduction The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, received Presidential assent on August 11, 2023. The DPDP Rules, 2025, serve as an implementation framework, detailing provisions and procedures under the Act. These rules are pivotal in defining the roles, responsibilities, and obligations of stakeholders, including Data Fiduciaries, Data Principals, and Consent Managers. Key Highlights of the DPDP Rules, 2025 1. Short Title and Commencement The Rules, effective upon publication, have specific sections (Rules 3 to 15, 21, and 22) with later effective dates. This staggered rollout ensures stakeholders have adequate preparation time. 2. Notice by Data Fiduciaries Data Fiduciaries are mandated to provide Data Principals with clear, standalone notices detailing: The types of personal data collected. Specific purposes for data processing. Methods to withdraw consent and lodge complaints....

Plea in Delhi High Court Raises Concerns Over Mobile Apps Sharing Sensitive Vehicle Owner Data A petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court raising serious concerns about mobile applications that allow third-party access to the personal and sensitive information of vehicle owners. The plea, filed by Gopal Bansal , a practicing advocate, highlights potential privacy violations and security risks caused by these apps providing easy access to information such as the vehicle owner's name , address , and vehicle details . Key Points of the Petition 1. Access to Sensitive Information: The petitioner argued that the ease with which these apps provide access to personal information could result in misuse , with malicious intent. He claimed that this could jeopardize the safety and privacy of vehicle owners. 2. Judges and Senior Advocates Targeted: In his petition, Bansal stated that he was able to obtain information about vehicles reportedly used by judges and senior advocat...