#FactCheck -AI-Generated Image Falsely Claims Mukesh and Nita Ambani Gifted Luxury Car to Suryakumar Yadav

Introduction

The US national cybersecurity strategy was released at the beginning of March this year. The aim of the cybersecurity strategy is to build a more defensive and resilient digital mechanism through general investments in the cybersecurity infrastructure. It is important to invest in a resilient future, And the increasing digital diplomacy and private-sector partnerships, regulation of crucial industries, and holding software companies accountable if their products enable hackers in.

What is the cybersecurity strategy  

The US National cybersecurity strategy is the plan which organisations pursue to fight against cyberattacks and cyber threats, and also they plan a risk assessment plan for the future in a resilient way. Through the cybersecurity strategy, there will be appropriate defences against cyber threats.

US National Cybersecurity Strategy-

the national cybersecurity strategy mainly depends on five pillars-

1. Critical infrastructure- The national cybersecurity strategy intends to defend important infrastructure from cyberattacks, for example, hospitals and clean energy installations. This pillar mainly focuses on the security and resilience of critical systems and services that are critical.
2. Disrupt & Threat Assessment- This strategy pillar seeks to address and eliminate cyber attackers who endanger national security and public safety.
3. Shape the market forces in resilient and security has driven-
4. Invest in resilient future approaches.
5. Forging international partnerships to pursue shared goals.

Need for a National cybersecurity strategy in India –

India is becoming more reliant on technology for day-to-day purposes, communication and banking aspects. And as per the computer emergency response team (CERT-In), in 2022, ransomware attacks increased by 50% in India. Cybercrimes against individuals are also rapidly on the rise. To build a safe cyberspace, India also required a national cybersecurity strategy in the country to develop trust and confidence in IT systems.

Learnings for India-

India has a cybersecurity strategy just now but India can also implement its cybersecurity strategy as the US just released. For the threats assessments and for more resilient future outcomes, there is a need to eliminate cybercrimes and cyber threats in India.

Shortcomings of the US National Cybersecurity Strategy-

• The implementation of the United States National Cybersecurity Strategy has Some problems and things that could be improved in it. Here are some as follows:

• Significant difficulties: The cybersecurity strategy proved to be difficult for government entities. The provided guidelines do not fulfil the complexity and growing cyber threats.
• Insufficient to resolve desirable points: the implementation is not able to resolve some, of the aspects of national cybersecurity strategies, for example, the defined goals and resource allocation, which have been determined to be addressed by the national cybersecurity strategy and implementation plan.
• Lack of Specifying the Objectives: the guidelines shall track the cybersecurity progress, and the implementation shall define the specific objectives.
• Implementation Alone is insufficient: cyber-attacks and cybercrimes are increasing daily, and to meet this danger, the US cybersecurity strategy shall not depend on the implementation. However, the legislation will help to involve public-private collaboration, and technological advancement is required.
• The strategy calls for critical infrastructure owners and software companies to meet minimum security standards and be held liable for flaws in their products, but the implementation and enforcement of these standards and liability measures must be clearly defined.

Conclusion

There is a legitimate need for a national cybersecurity strategy to fight against the future consequences of the cyber pandemic. To plan proper strategies and defences. It is crucial to avail techniques under the cybersecurity strategy. And India is increasingly depending on technology, and cybercrimes are also increasing among individuals. Healthcare sectors and as well on educational sectors, so to resolve these complexities, there is a need for proper implementations.

Introduction

Misinformation regarding health is sensitive and can have far-reaching consequences. These include its effect on personal medical decisions taken by individuals, lack of trust in conventional medicine, delay in seeking treatments, and even loss of life. The fast-paced nature and influx of information on social media can aggravate the situation further. Recently, a report titled Health Misinformation Vectors in India was presented at the Health of India Summit, 2024. It provided certain key insights into health-related misinformation circulating online.

The Health Misinformation Vectors in India Report

The analysis was conducted by the doctors at First Check, a global health fact-checking initiative alongside DataLEADS, a Delhi-based digital media and technology company. The report covers health-related social media content that was posted online from October 2023 to November 2024. It mentions that among all the health scares, misinformation regarding reproductive health, cancer, vaccines, and lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity is the most prominent type that is spread through social media. Misinformation regarding reproductive health includes illegal abortion methods that often go unchecked and even tips on conceiving a male child, among other things. 

In order to combat this misinformation, the report encourages stricter regulations regarding health-related content on digital media, inculcating technology for health literacy and misinformation management in public health curricula and recommending tech platforms to work on algorithms that prioritise credible information and fact-checks. Doctors state that people affected by life-threatening diseases are particularly vulnerable to such misinformation, as they are desperate to seek options for treatment for themselves and their family members to have a chance at life. In a diverse society, with the lack of clear and credible information, limited access to or awareness about tools that cross-check content, and low digital literacy, people gravitate towards alternate sources of information which also fosters a sense of disengagement among the public overall. The diseases mentioned in the report, which are prone to misinformation, are life-altering and require attention from healthcare professionals. 

CyberPeace Outlook

Globally, there are cases of medically-unqualified social media influencers who disperse false/mis- information regarding various health matters. The topics covered are mostly associated with stigma and are still undergoing research. This gap allows for misinformation to be fostered. An example is misinformation regarding PCOS( Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) which is circulating online.

In the midst of all of this, YouTube has released a new feature that aligns with combating health misinformation, trying to bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and Indians who look for trustworthy health-related information online. The initiative includes a feature that allows doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to sign up for a health information source license. This would help by labeling all their informative videos, as addressed- from a healthcare professional. Earlier, this feature was available only for health organisations including a health source information panel and health content shelves, but this step broadens the scope for verification of licenses of individual healthcare professionals. 

As digital literacy continues to grow, methods of seeking credible information, especially regarding sensitive topics such as health, require a combined effort on the part of all the stakeholders involved. We need a robust strategy for battling health-related misinformation online, including more awareness programmes and proactive participation from the consumers as well as medical professionals regarding such content.

References

1. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/misinformation-about-cancer-reproductive-health-is-widespread-in-india-impacting-medical-decisions-says-report/articleshow/115931612.cms
2. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cancer-misinformation-prevalent-in-india-trust-in-medicine-crucial-report-7165458
3. https://www.newindian.in/ai-driven-health-misinformation-poses-threat-to-indias-public-health-report/
4. https://www.etvbharat.com/en/!health/youtube-latest-initiative-combat-health-misinformation-india-enn24121002361
5. https://blog.google/intl/en-in/products/platforms/new-ways-for-registered-healthcare-professionals-in-india-to-reach-people-on-youtube/
6. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgz2p0999yo

Introduction

The Supreme Court of India recently ruled that telecom companies cannot be debarred from reissuing the deactivated numbers to a new subscriber. Notably, such reallocation of deactivated numbers is allowed only after the expiration of the period of 90 days. The Apex Court of India also mentioned that it is the responsibility of the user to delete their associated data with their number or any WhatsApp account data to ensure privacy. The  Centre has recently also blocked 22 apps which were part of unlawful operations including betting and money laundering. Meanwhile, in the digital landscape, the Intervention of legislature and judiciary is playing a key role in framing policies or coming up with guidelines advocating for a true cyber-safe India.  The government initiatives are encouraging the responsible use of technologies and Internet-availed services. 

Supreme Court stated that  telecom companies cannot be barred from reissuing deactivated numbers

Taking note of a petition before the Supreme Court of India, seeking direction from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to instruct mobile service providers to stop issuing deactivated mobile numbers, the Apex Court dismissed it by stating that mobile service providers in India are allowed to allocate the deactivated numbers to new users or subscribers but only after 90 days from the deactivation of the number. 

A concern of Breach of Confidential Data

The Court further stated, “It is for the earlier subscriber to take adequate steps to ensure that privacy is maintained.” stating that it is the responsibility of the user to delete their WhatsApp account attached to the previous phone number and erase their data. The Court further added that users need to be aware of the Supreme Court ruling that once the number is deactivated for non-use and disconnection, it can not be reallocated before the expiry of the 90-day period of such deactivation. However, after the allotted time passes, such reallocation of numbers to a new user is allowed.   

MEITY issued blocking orders against 22 illegal betting apps & websites

The government of India has been very critical in safeguarding Indian cyberspace by banning and blocking various websites and apps that have been operating illegally by scamming/dupping people of huge sums of money and also committing cyber crimes like data breaches. In recent developments, the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology (Meity), on November 5, 2023, banned 22 apps including Mahadev Book and Reddyannaprestopro. The Centre has taken this decision on recommendations from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). ED raids on the Mahadev book app in Chattisgarh also revealed unlawful operations. This investigation has been underway for the past few months by the ED.

Applicable laws to prevent money laundering and the power of government to block such websites and apps

On the other hand, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002 is a legislation already in place which aims to prevent and prosecute cases of money laundering. The government also has the power to block or recommend shutting down websites and apps under section 69A of the Information and Technology Act, 2000, under some specific condition as enumerated in the same.

Conclusion

In the evolving digital landscape, cyberspace covers several aspects while certain regulations or guidelines are required for smooth and secure functioning.  We sometimes change our phone numbers or deactivate them, hence, it is significantly important to delete the data associated with the phone number or any such social media account data attached to it. Hence, such a number is eligible for reallocation to a new or early subscriber after the expiration of a period of 90 days from such deactivation. On the other hand, the centre has also blocked the websites or apps that were found to be part of illegal operations including betting and money laundering. Users have also been advised not to misuse the Internet-availed services. Hence, trying to create a lawful and safe Internet environment for all. 

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References:

• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cant-bar-telecom-companies-from-reissuing-deactivated-numbers-says-supreme-court/articleshow/104993401.cms
• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1974901#:~:text=Ministry%20of%20Electronics%20and%20Information,including%20Mahadev%20Book%20and%20Reddyannaprestopro