#FactCheck - Edited Video of ‘India-India’ Chants at Republican National Convention

Introduction

The Ministry of Communications, Department of Telecommunications notified the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024 on 22nd November 2024. These rules were notified to overcome the vulnerabilities that rapid technological advancements pose. The evolving nature of cyber threats has contributed to strengthening and enhancing telecom cyber security. These rules empower the central government to seek traffic data and any other data (other than the content of messages) from service providers.

Background Context

The Telecommunications Act of 2023 was passed by Parliament in December, receiving the President's assent and being published in the official Gazette on December 24, 2023. The act is divided into 11 chapters 62 sections and 3 schedules. The said act has repealed the old legislation viz. Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933. The government has enforced the act in phases. Sections 1, 2, 10-30, 42-44, 46, 47, 50-58, 61, and 62 came into force on June 26, 2024. While, sections 6-8, 48, and 59(b) were notified to be effective from July 05, 2024.

These rules have been notified under the powers granted by Section 22(1) and Section 56(2)(v) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.        

Key Provisions of the Rules

These rules collectively aim to reinforce telecom cyber security and ensure the reliability of telecommunication networks and services. They are as follows:

The Central Government agency authorized by it may request traffic or other data from a telecommunication entity through the Central Government portal to safeguard and ensure telecom cyber security. In addition, the Central Govt. can instruct telecommunication entities to establish the necessary infrastructure and equipment for data collection, processing, and storage from designated points.  

● Obligations Relating To Telecom Cybersecurity:

Telecom entities must adhere to various obligations to prevent cyber security risks. Telecommunication cyber security must not be endangered, and no one is allowed to send messages that could harm it. Misuse of telecommunication equipment such as identifiers, networks, or services is prohibited. Telecommunication entities are also required to comply with directions and standards issued by the Central Govt. and furnish detailed reports of actions taken on the government portal.

● Compulsory Measures To Be Taken By Every Telecommunication Entity:

Telecom entities must adopt and notify the Central Govt. of a telecom cyber security policy to enhance cybersecurity. They have to identify and mitigate risks of security incidents, ensure timely responses, and take appropriate measures to address such incidents and minimize their impact. Periodic telecom cyber security audits must be conducted to assess network resilience against potential threats for telecom entities. They must report security incidents promptly to the Central Govt. and establish facilities like a Security Operations Centre.

● Reporting of Security Incidents:

•  Telecommunication entities must report the detection of security incidents affecting their network or services within six hours.
•  24 hours are provided for submitting detailed information about the incident, including the number of affected users, the duration, geographical scope, the impact on services, and the remedial measures implemented.

The Central Govt. may require the affected entity to provide further information, such as its cyber security policy, or conduct a security audit.

CyberPeace Policy Analysis

The notified rules reflect critical updates from their draft version, including the obligation to report incidents immediately upon awareness.  This ensures greater privacy for consumers while still enabling robust cybersecurity oversight. Importantly, individuals whose telecom identifiers are suspended or disconnected due to security concerns must be given a copy of the order and a chance to appeal, ensuring procedural fairness. The notified rules have removed "traffic data" and "message content" definitions that may lead to operational ambiguities. While the rules establish a solid foundation for protecting telecom networks, they pose significant compliance challenges, particularly for smaller operators who may struggle with costs associated with audits, infrastructure, and reporting requirements.

Conclusion

The Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024 represent a comprehensive approach to securing India’s communication networks against cyber threats. Mandating robust cybersecurity policies, rapid incident reporting, and procedural safeguards allows the rules to balance national security with privacy and fairness. However, addressing implementation challenges through stakeholder collaboration and detailed guidelines will be key to ensuring compliance without overburdening telecom operators. With adaptive execution, these rules have the potential to enhance the resilience of India’s telecom sector and also position the country as a global leader in digital security standards.

References

● Telecommunications Act, 2023 https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:AP:767484b8-4d05-40b3-9c3d-30c5642c3bac

● CyberPeace First Read of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 https://www.cyberpeace.org/resources/blogs/the-government-enforces-key-sections-of-the-telecommunication-act-2023

● Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024

https://dot.gov.in/sites/default/files/Gazette%20Notification%20of%20Telecommunications%20%28Telecom%20Cyber%20Security%29%20Rules%2C%202024.pdf

● https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2031057#:~:text=The%20Telecommunications%20Act%2C%202023%2C%20was,Gazette%20on%20the%20same%20day.

● https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-policy/dot-notifies-cybersecurity-norms-telcos-need-to-share-data-on-demand/articleshow/115577196.cms?from=mdr

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Recognizing As the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology (MeitY) continues to invite proposals from academicians, institutions, and industry experts to develop frameworks and tools for AI-related issues through the IndiaAI Mission, it has also funded two AI projects that will deal with matters related to deepfakes as per a status report submitted on 21st November 2024. The Delhi court also ordered the nomination of the members of a nine-member Committee constituted by the MeitY on 20th November 2024 (to address deepfake issues) and asked for a report within three months.‍

Funded AI projects :

The two projects funded by MeitY are:

1. Fake Speech Detection Using Deep Learning Framework- The project was initiated in December 2021 and focuses on detecting fake speech by creating a web interface for detection software this also includes investing in creating a speech verification software platform that is specifically designed for testing fake speech detection systems. It is set to end in December 2024. 
2. Design and Development of Software for Detecting Deepfake Videos and Images- This project was funded by MeitY from January 2022 to March 2024. It also involved the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Kolkata and Hyderabad as they have developed a prototype tool capable of detecting deepfakes. Named FakeCheck, it is designed as a desktop application and a web portal aiming to detect deepfakes without the use of the internet. Reports suggest that it is currently undergoing the testing phase and awaiting feedback.

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Apart from these projects, MeitY has released their expression of interest for proposals in four other areas which include: 

• Tools that detect AI-generated content along with traceable markers,
• Tools that develop an ethical AI framework for AI systems to be transparent and respect human values,
• An AI risk management and assessment tool that analyses threats and precarious situations of AI-specific risks in public AI use cases and;
• Tools that can assess the resilience of AI in stressful situations such as cyberattacks, national disasters, operational failures, etc. 

CyberPeace Outlook

Deepfakes pose significant challenges to critical sectors in India, such as healthcare and education, where manipulated content can lead to crimes like digital impersonation, misinformation, and fraud. The rapid advancement of AI, with developments (regarding regulation) that can’t keep pace, continues to fuel such threats. Recognising these risks, MeitY’s IndiaAI mission, promoting investments and encouraging educational institutions to undertake AI projects that strengthen the country's digital infrastructure comes in as a guiding light. A part of the mission focuses on developing indigenous solutions, including tools for assessment and regulation, to address AI-related threats effectively. While India is making strides in this direction, the global AI landscape is evolving rapidly, with many nations advancing regulations to mitigate AI-driven challenges. Consistent steps, including inviting proposals and funding projects provide the much-needed impetus for the mission to be realized.

References

1. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/meity-dot-at-work-on-projects-for-fair-ai-development/articleshow/115777713.cms?from=mdr
2. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/meity-seeks-tools-to-detect-deepfakes-label-ai-generated-content-101734410291642.html
3. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/meity-funds-two-ai-projects-to-detect-fake-media-forms-committee-on-deepfakes/ar-AA1vMAlJ
4. https://indiaai.gov.in/

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Introduction

MGM Resorts, which is an international company, has suffered an ongoing cyberattack which led to the shutdown of a number of its computer systems, including its website, in response to a cybersecurity issue. MGM Resorts International is in touch with external cybersecurity experts to resolve the issue since it has affected its entire Computer systems. MGM is a larger entity and operates thousands of hotel rooms across Las Vegas and the United States. MGM Resorts shared about the incident and posted that MGM recently identified a cybersecurity issue affecting some of the Company's systems. Promptly after detecting the issue, they quickly began an investigation with assistance from leading external cybersecurity experts. MGM has notified law enforcement and took prompt action to protect systems and data, including putting down certain systems. MGM further stated that the investigation is ongoing. 

‍The issue 

Basic operations such as the online reservation and booking system MGM have been affected and shut down due to the cybersecurity issue faced by a lot of visitors. Since earlier times, casino security has been the state of the art as they were very vulnerable to attacks by robbers and con artists. This is what we have also seen in a lot of movies. In today's time, con artists and robbers are now strengthened by cyber tactics. This is exactly what was seen in the case of the MGM attack. 

MGM Resorts is home to best-in-class amenities and facilities for guests, but with the increase in tourist traction, the vulnerabilities and the scope of cyber attacks have also increased. This is also because of open wifis in the establishments and the transition of casinos to e-casinos, thus causing a major shift towards digital and technology-based intervention for better customer experience and streamlining a lot of operations. 

How real is the threat? 

As reported by MGM Resorts, the following systems were impacted in the cyber security attack: 

• Slots Machines: The slot machines placed in the casino suddenly went offline and displayed an error message for the players. Some players who were already using the slot machines lost their bets and were unable to withdraw their winnings. 
• Room Keys: Some of the guests reported that the room keys became unresponsive, and in some cases, the replacement keys were also inactive for some time, causing massive chaos at the reception.  
• Booking Status: All the bookings in today's time are made online; this was one of the worst-hit segments of the cyber attacks. Most of the bookings made automatically were put on hold, and the confirmations could be made only from the hotel reception, thus causing massive cancelling of the bookings and both the hotel and customers losing out on money.
• MGM App: The official app of MGM Resorts was completely down, thus causing a situation of confusion and panic among the guests. The users also received notifications to speak to different customer care executives, but some of the numbers were unattentive and seemed to be operated by bad actors. 
• Data breach: The main focus of the cyber attack was dedicated to committing a data breach. The attack led to the breach of personal data of most of the users registered on the app or on the system of MGM Resorts. 

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Conclusion 

The cyber attack on the tourism industry is a major and growing concern for the industry and its customers. Seeing the volatility of the data and the regular inflow of personal information this makes the hotel's cyber security system a vulnerable choice for bad actors. The cyber attack was no less than a fire sale, where in all the segments of the services offered were impacted. Similar attacks were reported by MGM in 2019 and 2020, and subsequently, the safety measures were also deployed, but the bad actors have hit the resorts chain owners again, in such cases the most paramount defence is having a safe and regularly updated firewall, upskilling of staff for IT issues and attacks, active reporting and investigation mechanisms for assisting the LEAs. In the times of rising cyberattacks, one needs to be critical of their data management and digital footprints. The sooner we adopt safe, secure and resilient cyber hygiene practices, the safer our future will be.  

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References:

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/mgm-resorts-shuts-down-it-systems-after-cyberattack/

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2023/09/11/mgm-cyber-attack-impact-resorts-hotels-us/70828503007/

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/12/mgm-resorts-cybersecurity-incident-forces-system-outage.html

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