#Fact Check: Old Photo Misused to Claim Israeli Helicopter Downed in Lebanon!

Introduction

On September 27, 2024, the Indian government took a significant step toward enhancing national security by amending business allocation rules through an extraordinary gazette notification. This amendment, which assigns specific roles to different Union Ministries and Departments regarding telecom network security, cybersecurity, and cybercrime, aims to clarify and streamline efforts in these critical areas. With India's evolving cybersecurity landscape, the need for a structured regulatory framework is pressing, as threats grow in complexity. Recent developments, such as the July 2024 global cyber outage and increasing cyber crimes like SMS scams, highlight the urgency of such reforms. Under Article 77 clause (3), the President amended the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, to designate clearer responsibilities, reinforcing India's readiness to tackle emerging digital threats.

Key Highlights of the Gazette Notification

• Telecom Networks Security: A new entry ‘1A’ matters relating to the security of telecom networks" has been added under the Department of Telecommunications, highlighting an increased focus on securing the nation's telecom infrastructure.
• Cyber Security Responsibilities: Cyber security responsibilities have been added as a new entry under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), "5B. This assigns responsibility to MeitY for cybersecurity issues, concerning the Information Technology Act of 2000, giving the ministry the mandate to support other ministries or departments regarding cybersecurity matters.
• Oversight for Cyber Crime: Under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Internal Security, a new entry "36A Matters relating to Cyber Crime" is introduced. This emphasises that the MHA will handle cybercrime issues, highlighting the government's attention toward enhancing internal security against cyber threats.
• Cyber Security Strategic Coordination: Any matter related to the "overall coordination and strategic direction for Cyber Security," has been given to the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). This consolidates the role of the NSCS in guiding cybersecurity strategies at the national level.

Impact on Policy and Governance 

The amendments introduced through the notification are poised to significantly enhance the Indian government's cybersecurity framework by clarifying the roles of various ministries. The clear separation of responsibilities, telecom network security to the Department of Telecommunications, cybercrime to the Ministry of Home Affairs, and overall cyber strategy to the National Security Council Secretariat could seen as better coordination between ministries. This clarity is expected to reduce bureaucratic delays, allowing for quicker response times in addressing cyber threats, cybercrimes, and telecom vulnerabilities. Such efficient handling is crucial, especially in the evolving landscape of digital threats. These changes have been largely welcomed as it recognises the potential for improved regulatory oversight and faster policy implementation and a step forward in bolstering India’s cyber resilience. 

Conclusion 

The Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 amendments mark a critical step in strengthening India's cybersecurity framework. By setting out specific responsibilities for telecom network security, cybercrime, and overall cybersecurity strategy among key ministries, the government seeks to improve coordination and reduce bureaucratic delays. This policy shift is poised to enhance India’s digital resilience, providing a foundation for rapid responses to emerging cyber threats. However, success hinges on effective implementation, resource allocation, and collaboration across ministries. Addressing concerns like potential jurisdictional overlap and ensuring the inclusion of bodies like NCIIPC will be pivotal to ensuring comprehensive cyber protection. The complexity of cyber crimes and threats is evolving every day and the government's ability and preparedness to handle them with regulatory insight is a high priority.

References

• https://egazette.gov.in/(S(4r5oclueuwrjypfvr5b4vtzg))/ViewPDF.aspx 
• https://www.ptinews.com/story/national/govt-specifies-roles-on-matters-related-to-security-of-telecom-network-cyber-security-and-cyber-crime/1856627
• https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/centre-to-further-streamline-mechanism-to-deal-with-cyber-security-cyber-crime/article68694330.ece
• https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/govt-specifies-roles-on-matters-related-to-security-of-telecom-network-cyber-security-and-cyber-crime/113754501 

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Introduction

The most significant change seen in the Indian cyber laws this year was the passing of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, in the parliament. DPDP Act is the first concrete form of legislation focusing on the protection of Digital Personal Data of Indian netizens in all aspects; the act is analogous to what GDPR is for Europe. The act lays down heavy compliance mandates for the intermediaries and data fiduciaries, this has made it difficult for the tech companies a lot of policy, legal and technical changes have to be made in order to implement the act to its complete efficiency. Recently, the big techs have addressed a letter to the Minister and Minister of State of Meity to extend the implementation timeline of the act. In other news, the union cabinet has given the green light for the much-awaited MoC with Japan focused on establishing a long-term Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership. 

Letter to Meity

The lobby of the big techs represented by a Trade Body named the Big Tech Asia Internet Coalition (AIC) this week wrote to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity), addressing it to the Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and Minister of State (MoS) Rajeev Chandershekhra recommending a 12-18 month extension on the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. This request comes at a time when the government has been voicing its urgency to implement the act in order to safeguard Indian data at the earliest. The trade body represented big names, including Meta, Google, Microsoft, Apple and many more. These big techs essentially comprise the segment recognised under the DPDP as the Significant Data Fiduciaries due to the sheer volume of data processed, hosted, stored, etc. In the protective sense, the act has been designed to focus on preventing the exploitation of personal data of Indian netizens by the big techs, hence, they form an integral part of the Indian Data Ecosystem.  The following reasons/complications concerning the implementation of the act were highlighted in the letter:

• Unrealistic Timelines: The AIC expressed that the current timeline for the implementation of the act seems unrealistic for the big techs to establish technological, policy and legal mechanisms to be in compliance with section 5 of the act, which talks about the Obligations of a Data Fiduciary and the particular notice to be shared with the data principles in accordance with the act. 
• Technical Requirements: Members of AIC expressed that the duration for the implementation of the act is much less in comparison to the time required by the tech companies to set up/deploy relevant technical critical infrastructure, SoPs and capacity building for the same. This will cause a major hindrance in establishing the efficiency of the act.
• Data Rights:  Right to Erasure, Correction, Deletion, Nominate, etc., are guaranteed under the DPDP, but the big techs are not sure about the efficient implementation of these rights and hence will need fundamental changes in the technology architecture of their platform, thus expressing concern of the early implementation of the act. 
• Equivalency to GDPR: The DPDP is taken to be congruent to the European GDPR, but the DPDP focuses on a few more aspects, such as cross-border data flow and compliance mandates for the right to erasure, hence a lot of GDPR-compliant big techs also need to establish more robust mechanisms to maintain compliance to Indian DPDP.     

Indo-Japan MoC

A Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on the Japan-India Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership was signed in July 2023 between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan. This information was shared with the Union Cabinet, which is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) aims to expand collaboration between Japan and India in order to improve the semiconductor supply chain. This is because semiconductors are critical to the development of industries and digital technologies. The Parties agree that the MoC will take effect on the date of signature and be in effect for five years. Bilateral cooperation on business-to-business and G2G levels on ways to develop a robust semiconductor supply chain and make use of complementary skills. The cooperation is aimed at harnessing indigenous talent and creating opportunities for higher employment avenues. 

MeitY's purpose also includes promoting international cooperation within bilateral and regional frameworks in the frontier and emerging fields of information technology. MeitY has engaged in Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), Memorandums of Covenants (MoCs), and Agreements with counterpart organisations/agencies of other nations with the aim of fostering bilateral collaboration and information sharing. Additionally, MeitY aims to establish supply chain resilience, which would enable India to become a reliable partner. An additional step towards mutually advantageous semiconductor-related commercial prospects and collaborations between India & Japan is the strengthening of mutual collaboration between Japanese and Indian enterprises through this Memorandum of Understanding. The “India-Japan Digital Partnership” (IJDP), which was introduced during PM Modi's October 2018 visit to Japan, was created in light of the two countries' complementary and synergistic efforts. Its goal is to advance both current areas of cooperation and new initiatives within the scope of S&T/ICT cooperation, with a particular emphasis on “Digital ICT Technologies."

Conclusion 

As we move ahead into the digital age, it is pertinent to be aware and educated about the latest technological advancements, new forms of cybercrimes and threats and legal aspects of digital rights and responsibilities, whether it is the recommendation to extend the implementation of DPDP or the Indo-Japan MoC, both of these instances impact the Indian netizen and his/her interests. Hence, the indigenous netizen needs to develop a keen interest in the protection of the Indian cyber-ecosystem to create a safer future. In our war against technology, our best weapon is technology and awareness, thus implementing the same in our daily digital lifestyles and routines is a must.  

References

• https://www.eetindia.co.in/cabinet-approves-moc-on-japan-india-semiconductor-supply-chain-partnership/
• https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/startup/trade-body-representing-big-tech-urges-govt-to-extend-dpdp-act-implementation-by-1-5-years-11605431.html
• https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.eetindia.co.in/cabinet-approves-moc-on-japan-india-semiconductor-supply-chain-partnership/&ct=ga&cd=CAEYACoTOTI3Mzg4NzEyODgwMjI2ODk0MDIaOTBiYzUxNmI5YTRjYTE1NTpjb206ZW46VVM&usg=AOvVaw2lEO7-cIBZ_ox1xV39LGLs

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Introduction

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Valentine’s Day celebrates the bond between people, their romantic love, and their deep relationships with others. The increasing use of digital platforms in modern relationships has created a situation where cybercriminals use this time of year to exploit human emotions for money-making schemes. The period around 14 February often sees a rise in online romance scams, phishing attacks, and fake shopping websites that specifically target people who are emotionally vulnerable and active online. People need to be aware of these scams because this awareness helps them protect their personal information and their financial resources.

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The Rise of Romance Scams

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Modern romance scams have evolved from their original form because criminals now execute their schemes through more advanced methods. Fraudsters create authentic-looking fake identities, which they use to deceive victims through dating applications, social media platforms and networking websites. The profiles use stolen images and fake job histories, together with convincing emotional stories, which help them establish trust with potential victims.

Scammers usually begin their deception after they have built an emotional connection with their targets. Once trust is established, they introduce a crisis or an opportunity that pressures the victim to act quickly. This is often presented as a problem that needs urgent help or a chance that should not be missed, such as:

• A sudden medical emergency that requires money for treatment
• Requests for travel expenses to finally come and meet in person
• Fake investment opportunities that promise quick or guaranteed returns
• Demands for customs, courier, or clearance fees to release a supposed package or gift

They make the victim give money to them and buy gift cards and handle personal banking details. The scam takes place for several weeks or months until the victim starts to show doubt about what is happening.  The psychological manipulation that occurs in romance scams causes severe harm to their victims. Victims experience two types of damage because criminals steal their money, and they suffer emotional pain, and their social standing gets damaged.

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Fake E-Commerce and “Valentine’s Deals”

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Valentine's Day marks the beginning of a shopping rush, which leads people to buy various gifts, including flowers, jewellery and customised products, as well as making reservations for events. Cybercriminals create fake websites to exploit this demand by providing fake discounts and temporary promotional offers. 

Common warning signs include:

• Newly registered domains that lack valid user reviews
• Websites that contain multiple spelling mistakes and display poor design
• Payment requests through methods that cannot be tracked
• Online platforms that lack secure payment processing systems

Consumers who make purchases on such sites face the risk of losing money while their card information is stolen for future fraudulent activities.

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Phishing in the Name of Love

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During the holiday season, phishing campaigns increase their focus on particular targets. Users may receive:

• Valentine's Day discount emails
• Messages that claim to show secret admirer intentions
• Links that lead to supposed romantic surprises
• Delivery notifications that inform about unreceived gifts

Malicious links result in credential theft, malware installation and unauthorised financial transactions. At first glance, these attacks show resemblance to authentic brands and logistics companies, which makes them hard to identify.

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Investment and Crypto Romance Fraud

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A rising type of romance scams now uses cryptocurrency and online trading platforms as their new approach. Scammers who establish trust with their victims will convince them to invest in digital assets that appear to generate high returns. The fake dashboards display excellent investment results to convince investors to commit more funds. The process stops when they block all withdrawal requests and stop all contact with the user. The combination of emotional manipulation with financial fraud shows how cybercrime develops according to technological advancements.

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Why Seasonal Scams Work

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Seasonal scams succeed because they match the predictable behaviour patterns that people exhibit during specific times of the year. During Valentine’s season:

• People experience their highest emotional vulnerability
• People shop more frequently through online platforms
• People use digital platforms at increased rates
• Users will decrease their level of scepticism while trying to establish connections with others

Cybercriminals use urgent situations together with emotional ties and social norms as their primary attack methods. The combination of psychological triggers and digital convenience creates fertile ground for deception.

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CyberPeace Recommendations for Staying Safe This Valentine’s Season

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The digital platforms provide people who search for connections with valuable opportunities to connect with others, yet users must remain careful about their online activities. People can protect themselves from online fraud by following these steps:

1. They should confirm identity details before they give away their private data.
2. They should not send money to people whom they met only through internet platforms.
3. They should verify website ownership and examine customer feedback before making online purchases.
4. They should activate multi-factor authentication for their social media accounts and financial accounts.
5. People should treat unexpected links with great care, especially those links that create a sense of urgency. 
6. The Cybercrime reporting portal www.cybercrime.gov.in with 24x7 helpline 1930 is an effective tool at the disposal of victims of cybercrimes to report their complaints.
7. In case of any cyber threat, issue or discrepancy, you can also seek assistance from the CyberPeace Helpline at +91 9570000066 or write to us at helpline@cyberpeace.net. Immediate reporting protects victims and helps to combat cybercrime.

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Conlusion

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Online safety during festive seasons requires shared responsibility among multiple parties. Digital resilience is strengthened through the combined efforts of platforms, financial institutions, regulators, and civil society organisations. The digital ecosystem becomes safer through three essential elements, which include awareness campaigns, stronger verification systems, and timely reporting mechanisms.

Valentine’s Day centres on the building of trust between people who want to connect with each other. To maintain trust in digital environments, users need to practice digital literacy skills, which should be shared by everyone. People who stay updated about cybersecurity threats can celebrate Valentine’s Day more safely, because their expressions of love remain protected from online scams.

References

• https://www.cloudsek.com/blog/valentines-day-cyber-attack-landscape-exploiting-love-through-digital-deception
• https://about.fb.com/news/2025/02/how-avoid-romance-scams-this-valentines-day/
• https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/sanfrancisco/fbi-san-francisco-warns-romance-scams-increasing-across-the-bay-area-this-valentines-day
• https://abc11.com/post/romance-scams-surge-ahead-valentines-day/18581079/
• https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/5-common-online-scams-you-should-avoid-this-valentine-s-day-article-13820108.html

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