#Fact Check: Pakistan’s Airstrike Claim Uses Video Game Footage

Over The Top (OTT)

OTT messaging platforms have taken the world by storm; everyone across the globe is working on OTT platforms, and they have changed the dynamics of accessibility and information speed forever. Whatsapp is one of the leading OTT messaging platforms under the tech giant Meta as of 2013. All tasks, whether personal or professional, can be performed over Whatsapp, and as of today, Whatsapp has 2.44 billion users worldwide, with 487.5 Million users in India alone^[1]. With such a vast user base, it is pertinent to have proper safety and security measures and mechanisms on these platforms and active reporting options for the users. The growth of OTT platforms has been exponential in the previous decade. As internet penetration increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, the following factors contributed towards the growth of OTT platforms –

• Urbanisation and Westernisation
• Access to Digital Services
• Media Democratization
• Convenience
• Increased Internet Penetration

These factors have been influential in providing exceptional content and services to the  consumers, and extensive internet connectivity has allowed people from the remotest part of the country to use OTT messaging platforms. But it is pertinent to maintain user safety and security by the platforms and abide by the policies and regulations to maintain accountability and transparency.

New Safety Features

Keeping in mind the safety requirements and threats coming with emerging technologies, Whatsapp has been crucial in taking out new technology and policy-based security measures. A number of new security features have been added to WhatsApp to make it more difficult to take control of other people’s accounts. The app’s privacy and security-focused features go beyond its assertion that online chats and discussions should be as private and secure as in-person interactions. Numerous technological advancements pertaining to that goal have focussed on message security, such as adding end-to-end encryption to conversations. The new features allegedly increase user security on the app.

WhatsApp announced that three new security features are now available to all users on Android and iOS devices. The new security features are called Account Protect, Device Verification, and Automatic Security Codes

• For instance, a new programme named “Account Protect” will start when users migrate an account from an old device to a new one. If users receive an unexpected alert, it may be a sign that someone is trying to access their account without their knowledge. Users may see an alert on their previous handset asking them to confirm that they are truly transitioning away from it.
• To make sure that users cannot install malware to access other people’s messages, another function called “Device Verification” operates in the background. Without the user’s knowledge, this feature authenticates devices in the background. In particular, WhatsApp claims it is concerned about unlicensed WhatsApp applications that contain spyware made explicitly for this use. Users do not need to take any action due to the company’s new checks that help authenticate user accounts to prevent this.
• The final feature is dubbed “automatic security codes,” It builds on an already-existing service that lets users verify that they are speaking with the person they believe they are. This is still done manually, but by default, an automated version will be carried out with the addition of a tool to determine whether the connection is secure.

While users can now view the code by visiting a user’s profile, the social media platform will start to develop a concept called “Key Transparency” to make it easier for its users to verify the validity of the code. Update to the most recent build if you use WhatsApp on Android because these features have already been released. If you use iOS, the security features have not yet been released, although an update is anticipated soon.

Conclusion

Digital safety is a crucial matter for netizens across the world; platforms like Whatsapp, which enjoy a massive user base, should lead the way in terms of OTT platforms’ cyber security by inculcating the use of emerging technologies, user reporting, and transparency in the principles and also encourage other platforms to replicate their security mechanisms to keep bad actors at bay. Account Protect, Device Verification, and Automatic Security Codes will go a long way in protecting the user’s interests while simultaneously maintaining convenience, thus showing us that the future with such platforms is bright and secure.

^[1] https://verloop.io/blog/whatsapp-statistics-2023/#:~:text=1.,over%202.44%20billion%20users%20worldwide.

The United Nations in December 2019 passed a resolution that established an open-ended ad hoc committee. This committee was tasked to develop a ‘comprehensive international convention on countering the use of ICTs for criminal purposes’. The UN Convention on Cybercrime is an initiative of the UN member states to foster the principles of international cooperation and establish legal frameworks to provide mechanisms for combating cybercrime. The negotiations for the convention had started in early 2022. It became the first binding international criminal justice treaty to have been negotiated in over 20 years upon its adoption by the UN General Assembly.  

This convention addresses the limitations of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime by encircling a broader range of issues and perspectives from the member states. The UN Convention against Cybercrime will open for signature at a formal ceremony hosted in Hanoi, Viet Nam, in 2025. The convention will finally enter into force 90 days after being ratified by the 40th signatory.

Objectives and Features of the Convention

• The UN Convention against Cybercrime addresses various aspects of cybercrime. These include prevention, investigation, prosecution and international cooperation. 
• The convention aims to establish common standards for criminalising cyber offences. These include offences like hacking, identity theft, online fraud, distribution of illegal content, etc. It outlines procedural and technical measures for law enforcement agencies for effective investigation and prosecution while ensuring due process and privacy protection. 
• Emphasising the importance of cross-border collaboration among member states, the convention provides mechanisms for mutual legal assistance, extradition and sharing of information and expertise. The convention aims to enhance the capacity of developing countries to combat cybercrime through technical assistance, training, and resources. 
• It seeks to balance security measures with the protection of fundamental rights. The convention highlights the importance of safeguarding human rights and privacy in cybercrime investigations and enforcement.
• The Convention emphasises the importance of prevention through awareness campaigns, education, and the promotion of a culture of cybersecurity. It encourages collaborations through public-private partnerships to enhance cybersecurity measures and raise awareness, such as protecting vulnerable groups like children, from cyber threats and exploitation.

Key Provisions of the UN Cybercrime Convention

Some key provisions of the Convention are as follows:

• The convention differentiates cyber-dependent crimes like hacking from cyber-enabled crimes like online fraud. It defines digital evidence and establishes standards for its collection, preservation, and admissibility in legal proceedings.
• It defines offences against confidentiality, integrity, and availability of computer data and includes unauthorised access, interference with data, and system sabotage. Further, content-related offences include provisions against distributing illegal content, such as CSAM and hate speech. It criminalises offences like identity theft, online fraud and intellectual property violations.
• LEAs are provided with tools for electronic surveillance, data interception, and access to stored data, subject to judicial oversight. It outlines the mechanisms for cross-border investigations, extradition, and mutual legal assistance.
• The establishment of a central body to coordinate international efforts, share intelligence, and provide technical assistance includes the involvement of experts from various fields to advise on emerging threats, legal developments, and best practices.

Comparisons with the Budapest Convention

The Budapest Convention was adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe at the 109th Session on 8 November 2001. This Convention was the first international treaty that addressed internet and computer crimes. A comparison between the two Conventions is as follows:

• The global participation in the UNCC is inclusive of all UN member states whereas the latter had primarily European with some non-European signatories. 
• The scope of the UNCC is broader and covers a wide range of cyber threats and cybercrimes, whereas the Budapest convention is focused on specific offences like hacking and fraud. 
• UNCC strongly focuses on privacy and human rights protections and the Budapest Convention had limited focus on human rights.
• UNCC has extensive provisions for assistance to developing countries and this is in contrast to the Budapest Convention which did not focus much on capacity building.

Future Outlook

The development of the UNCC was a complex process. The diverse views on key issues have been noted and balancing different legal systems, cultural perspectives and policy priorities has been a challenge. The rapid technology evolution that is taking place requires the Convention to be adaptable to effectively address emerging cyber threats. Striking a balance remains a critical concern. The Convention aims to provide a blended approach to tackling cybercrime by addressing the needs of countries, both developed and developing.

Conclusion

The resolution containing the UN Convention against Cybercrime is a step in global cooperation to combat cybercrime. It was adopted without a vote by the 193-member General Assembly and is expected to enter into force 90 days after ratification by the 40th signatory. The negotiations and consultations are finalised for the Convention and it is open for adoption and ratification by member states. It seeks to provide a comprehensive legal framework that addresses the challenges posed by cyber threats while respecting human rights and promoting international collaboration. 

References

• https://consultation.dpmc.govt.nz/un-cybercrime-convention/principlesandobjectives/supporting_documents/Background.pdf 
• https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/12/1158521 
• https://www.interpol.int/en/News-and-Events/News/2024/INTERPOL-welcomes-adoption-of-UN-convention-against-cybercrime#:~:text=The%20UN%20convention%20establishes%20a,and%20grooming%3B%20and%20money%20laundering 
• https://www.cnbctv18.com/technology/united-nations-adopts-landmark-global-treaty-to-combat-cybercrime-19529854.htm 

Introduction

The Department of Telecommunications on 28th October 2024 notified an amendment to the Flight and Maritime Connectivity Rules, 2018 (FMCR 2018). 

Rule 9 of the principle rules in FMCR 2018 stated: 

 “Restrictions–(1) The IFMC service provider shall provide the operation of mobile communication services in aircraft at minimum height of 3000 meters in Indian airspace to avoid interference with terrestrial mobile networks. (2) Internet services through Wi-Fi in aircraft shall be made available when electronic devices are permitted to be used only in airplane mode.”

In 2022, an amendment was made to the attached form in the Rules for obtaining authorisation to provide IFMC services. 

Subsequently, the 2024 amendment substitutes sub-rule (2), namely : 

“ (2)  Notwithstanding the minimum height in Indian airspace referred to in sub-rule (1), internet services through Wi-Fi in aircraft shall be made available when electronic devices are permitted to be used in the aircraft.”

Highlights of the Amendment 

These rules govern the use of Wi-Fi in airplanes and ships within or above India or Indian territorial waters through In Flight and Maritime Connectivity (IFMC) services provided by IFMC service providers responsible for establishing and maintaining them.

Airplanes are equipped with antennas, onboard servers, and routers to connect to signals received from ground towers via Direct Air-to-Ground Communications (DA2GC) or through satellites. The DA2GC system offers connectivity through various communication methods, supporting services like in-flight Internet access and mobile multimedia. Licensed In-Flight Mobile Connectivity (IFMC) providers must adhere to standards set by international organizations such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), or by international forums like the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to offer In-Flight Connectivity. Providers using Indian or foreign satellite systems must obtain approval from the Department of Space.

The IFMC service provider must operate mobile communication services on aircrafts at a minimum altitude of 3,000 meters within Indian airspace to prevent interference with terrestrial mobile networks. However, Wi-Fi access can be enabled at any point during the flight when device use is permitted, not just after reaching 3,000 meters. This flexibility is intended to allow passengers to connect to Wi-Fi earlier in the flight. This amendment aims to ensure that passengers can access the internet while maintaining the safety standards critical to in-flight communication systems.

Implications

1. Increased Data Security Needs:  There will be a need for robust cybersecurity measures against potential threats and data breaches. 
2. Increased Costs: Airplanes will have to incur the initial costs for installing antennae. Since airfare pricing in India is market-driven and largely unregulated, these costing changes might find their way into ticket prices, making flight tickets more expensive. 
3. Interference Management: A framework regarding the conditions under which  Wi-FI must be switched off to avoid interference with terrestrial communication systems can be determined by stakeholders and communicated to passengers. 
4. Enhanced Connectivity Infrastructure: Airlines may need to invest in better flight-connectivity infrastructure to handle increased network traffic as more passengers access Wi-fi at lower altitudes and for longer durations. 

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Conclusion

The  Flight and Maritime Connectivity (Amendment) Rules, 2024, enhance passenger convenience and align India with global standards for in-flight connectivity while complying with international safety protocols. Access to the internet during flights and at sea provides valuable real-time information, enhances safety, and offers access to health support during aviation and maritime operations.  However, new challenges including the need for robust cybersecurity measures, cost implications for airlines and passengers, and management of interference with terrestrial networks will have to be addressed through a collaborative approach between airlines, IFMC providers, and regulatory authorities. 

Sources 

• https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/2018_12_17%20AS%20IFMC_2.pdf?download=1 
• https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/Amendment%20dated%2004112024%20in%20flight%20and%20maritime%20connectivity%20rules%202018%20to%20IFMC%20Service%20Provider.pdf  
• https://www.t-mobile.com/dialed-in/wireless/how-does-airplane-wifi-work 
• https://tec.gov.in/public/pdf/Studypaper/DA2GC_Paper%2008-10-2020%20v2.pdf 
• https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/wifi-use-flights-no-longer-linked-altitude-now-subject-permission-2628118-2024-11-05  
• https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1843408#:~:text=With%20the%20repeal%20of%20Air,issue%20directions%20to%20such%20airline. 

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