#FactCheck -2018 Baba Ramdev Video on Cheap Petrol Resurfaces Amid Fuel Price Hike, Shared Out of Context

March 3rd 2023, New Delhi: If you have received any message that contains a link asking users to download an application to avail Income Tax Refund or KYC benefits with the name of Income Tax Department or reputed Banks, Beware!

CyberPeace Foundation and Autobot Infosec Private Limited along with the academic partners under CyberPeace Center of Excellence (CCoE) recently conducted five different studies on phishing campaigns that have been circulating on the internet by using misleading tactics to convince users to install malicious applications on their devices. The first campaign impersonates the Income Tax Department, while the rest of the campaigns impersonate ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, IDFC Bank and Axis bank respectively. The phishing campaigns aim to trick users into divulging their personal and financial information.

After a detailed study, the research team found that:

• All campaigns appear to be an offer from reputed entities, however hosted on third-party domains instead of the official website of the Income Tax Department or the respective Banks, raising suspicion.
• The applications ask several access permissions of the device. Moreover some of them seek users to provide full control of the device. Allowing such access permission could result in a complete compromise of the system, including access to sensitive information such as microphone recordings, camera footage, text messages, contacts, pictures, videos, and even banking applications.
• Cybercriminals created malicious applications using icons that closely resemble those of legitimate entities with the intention of enticing users into downloading the malicious applications.
• The applications collect user’s personal and banking information. Getting into this type of trap could lead users to face significant financial losses.
• While investigating the impersonated Income Tax Department’s application, the Research team identified the application sends http traffic to a remote server which acts as a Command and Control (CnC/C2) for the application.
• Customers who desire to avail benefits or refunds from respective banks, download relevant apps, believing that the chosen app will assist them. However, they are not always aware that the app may be fraudulent.

“The Research highlights the importance of being vigilant while browsing the internet and not falling prey to such phishing attacks. It is crucial to be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, as they may contain malware that can harm the device or compromise the data.” spokesperson, CyberPeace added.

In addition to this in an earlier report released in last month, the same research team had drawn attention to the WhatsApp messages masquerading as an offer from Tanishq Jewellers with links luring unsuspecting users with the promise of free valentine’s day  presents making the rounds on the app.

CyberPeace Advisory:

• The Research team recommends that people should avoid opening such messages sent via social platforms. One must always think before clicking on such links, or downloading any attachments from unauthorised sources.
• Downloading any application from any third party sources instead of the official app store should be avoided. This will greatly reduce the risk of downloading a malicious app, as official app stores have strict guidelines for app developers and review each app before it gets published on the store.
• Even if you download the application from an authorised source, check the app’s permissions before you install it. Some malicious apps may request access to sensitive information or resources on your device. If an app is asking for too many permissions, it’s best to avoid it.
• Keep your device and the app-store app up to date. This will ensure that you have the latest security updates and bug fixes.
• Falling into such a trap could result in a complete compromise of the system, including access to sensitive information such as microphone recordings, camera footage, text messages, contacts, pictures, videos, and even banking applications and could lead users to financial loss.
• Do not share confidential details like credentials, banking information with such types of Phishing scams.
• Never share or forward fake messages containing links on any social platform without proper verification.

Source : https://www.aninews.in/news/business/business/alert-cybercriminals-target-taxpayers-and-banking-customers-with-phishing-campaign-and-malicious-application20230303182938/

Introduction

The rise of misinformation, disinformation, and synthetic media content on the internet and social media platforms has raised serious concerns, emphasizing the need for responsible use of social media to maintain information accuracy and combat misinformation incidents. With online misinformation rampant all over the world, the World Economic Forum's 2024 Global Risk Report, notably ranks India amongst the highest in terms of risk of mis/disinformation. 

The widespread online misinformation on social media platforms necessitates a joint effort between tech/social media platforms and the government to counter such incidents. The Indian government is actively seeking to collaborate with tech/social media platforms to foster a safe and trustworthy digital environment and to also ensure compliance with intermediary rules and regulations. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has used ‘extraordinary powers’ to block certain YouTube channels, X (Twitter) & Facebook accounts, allegedly used to spread harmful misinformation. The government has issued advisories regulating deepfake and misinformation, and social media platforms initiated efforts to implement algorithmic and technical improvements to counter misinformation and secure the information landscape.

Efforts by the Government and Social Media Platforms to Combat Misinformation

1. Advisory regulating AI, deepfake and misinformation

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued a modified advisory on 15th March 2024, in suppression of the advisory issued on 1st March 2024. The latest advisory specifies that the platforms should inform all users about the consequences of dealing with unlawful information on platforms, including disabling access, removing non-compliant information, suspension or termination of access or usage rights of the user to their user account and imposing punishment under applicable law. The advisory necessitates identifying synthetically created content across various formats, and instructs platforms to employ labels, unique identifiers, or metadata to ensure transparency. 

2. Rules related to content regulation

The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (Updated as on 6.4.2023) have been enacted under the IT Act, 2000. These rules assign specific obligations on intermediaries as to what kind of information is to be hosted, displayed, uploaded, published, transmitted, stored or shared. The rules also specify provisions to establish a grievance redressal mechanism by platforms and remove unlawful content within stipulated time frames.

3. Counteracting misinformation during Indian elections 2024

To counter misinformation during the Indian elections the government and social media platforms made their best efforts to ensure the electoral integrity was saved from any threat of mis/disinformation. The Election Commission of India (ECI) further launched the 'Myth vs Reality Register' to combat misinformation and to ensure the integrity of the electoral process during the general elections in 2024. The ECI collaborated with Google to empower the citizenry by making it easy to find critical voting information on Google Search and YouTube. In this way, Google has supported the 2024 Indian General Election by providing high-quality information to voters and helping people navigate AI-generated content. Google connected voters to helpful information through product features that show data from trusted institutions across its portfolio. YouTube showcased election information panels, featuring content from authoritative sources.

4. YouTube and X (Twitter) new ‘Notes Feature’

• Notes Feature on YouTube: YouTube is testing an experimental feature that allows users to add notes to provide relevant, timely, and easy-to-understand context for videos. This initiative builds on previous products that display helpful information alongside videos, such as information panels and disclosure requirements when content is altered or synthetic. YouTube clarified that the pilot will be available on mobiles in the U.S. and in the English language, to start with. During this test phase, viewers, participants, and creators are invited to give feedback on the quality of the notes.
• Community Notes feature on X: Community Notes on X aims to enhance the understanding of potentially misleading posts by allowing users to add context to them. Contributors can leave notes on any post, and if enough people rate the note as helpful, it will be publicly displayed. The algorithm is open source and publicly available on GitHub, allowing anyone to audit, analyze, or suggest improvements. However, Community Notes do not represent X's viewpoint and cannot be edited or modified by their teams. A post with a Community Note will not be labelled, removed, or addressed by X unless it violates the X Rules, Terms of Service, or Privacy Policy. Failure to abide by these rules can result in removal from accessing Community Notes and/or other remediations. Users can report notes that do not comply with the rules by selecting the menu on a note and selecting ‘Report’ or using the provided form.

CyberPeace Policy Recommendations

Countering widespread online misinformation on social media platforms requires a multipronged approach that involves joint efforts from different stakeholders. Platforms should invest in state-of-the-art algorithms and technology to detect and flag suspected misleading information. They should also establish trustworthy fact-checking protocols and collaborate with expert fact-checking groups. Campaigns, seminars, and other educational materials must be encouraged by the government to increase public awareness and digital literacy about the mis/disinformation risks and impacts. Netizens should be empowered with the necessary skills and ability to discern fact and misleading information to successfully browse true information in the digital information age. The joint efforts by Government authorities, tech companies, and expert cyber security organisations are vital in promoting a secure and honest online information landscape and countering the spread of mis/disinformation. Platforms must encourage netizens/users to foster appropriate online conduct while using platforms and abiding by the terms & conditions and community guidelines of the platforms. Encouraging a culture of truth and integrity on the internet, honouring differing points of view, and confirming facts all help to create a more reliable and information-resilient environment. 

References:

1. https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/Advisory%2015March%202024.pdf
2. https://blog.google/intl/en-in/company-news/outreach-initiatives/supporting-the-2024-indian-general-election/
3. https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/new-ways-to-offer-viewers-more-context/
4. https://help.x.com/en/using-x/community-notes

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Tech News overview

Recently, the TRAI has passed some recommendations that benefit the telecommunications industry in India. The suggestion is to lower the entry fees and bank guarantees on the 26th of July 20, 2022. Then wrote a few consulting papers, countering comments by the stakeholders of various companies. 

In a significant move, TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has proposed spacious changes in terms of entry fees and bank guarantees in the telecom sector. These endorsements have been abeyant to escort the new era of competition, investment, and innovation, reshaping India’s telecommunication landscape.

Proposal Points by TRAI to telecom companies:

As we dive into considering the recommendations by TRAI  into the crucial aspects of the telecom industry, deliberate about the significance of entry fees, the importance of banks, and the guarantees.

1. Entry fees: Entry fees are the advance key point that upholds the charges that telecom companies pay to the government when they want to offer services to the civilians of the country. The amount they pay is quite hefty and usually non-refundable.
2. Bank guarantee: An important factor that is also a type of security, the financial security that assures the telecom companies to fulfil their financial obligations and follow the regulations and policy conditions specified in their license agreement.
3. TRAI roleplay: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is an authority responsible for supervising the telecom industry in the country. Making sure that the regulations and recommendations such as entry fees and bank guarantees are working in the proper way or not, a supervision of such things. 
4. Expected outcomes: TRAI focuses on reducing the entry fees for various types of licenses in the other telecom sector. This step encourages other new telecom operators to enter the market and increase the fair price and investment, which leads to enhancing the competition.
5. Consolidating Bank guarantees: TRAI also proposed an amalgamation of bank guarantees, which means telecom companies are required to maintain separate guarantees for different business licenses, which makes business doing sectors an easy environment.
6. No entry fee at the time of License Renewal: Recommendations by TRAI by not charging any entry fees when telecom operators renew their licenses. This step can reduce the financial burden on both existing and new entrants,, specifically for UL(VNO)license shareholders.

Reshaping the telecom panorama:

Recommendation by TRAI that can potentially help in reshaping the Telecoms landscape in India in various aspects:

• Increment in healthy Competition: By reducing the entry fees, TRAI would be creating a platform profitable and affordable for new market players in India.
• Market enlargement: Lowering the entry fees might lead to the participation of new entrants, including regional and smaller players,, to get involved in the telecom industry. 
• Due to the market expansion, the outcomes can potentially lead to improved access to telecom services in underdeveloped areas and regions and contribute to digital inclusion.
• Job Recruitment: The evolution in the telecom industry due to new operators and increased investment can lead to job uplift in both telecom and industries related to technological infrastructure.
• Choice of preference: As there is a rise in competition, consumers are likely to have many choices when it comes to telecom service providers. The consumers get to select from a wider range of services, leading to better value for money and quality of service.
• Quality of service: With increased competition and a hefty amount of investment, telecom operators have a spur to enhance the quality of service.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, TRAIs proposal on lowering the entry fees and bank guarantee for financial services marks a significant milestone in India’s telecom industry. These essential changes hold the promise of fostering competition, investment, a platform for new entrants, quality of service, wider range of platforms for selection. As these advance suggestions take place, in telecom industry in India is on a new threshold of an existing transformation that could reevaluate the way we communicate and connect.

Reference:

https://www.gearrice.com/update/telecom-companies-will-get-a-sigh-of-relief-on-trais-recommendation-to-the-government-on-entry-fees-and-bank-guarantee/

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