Securing Digital Banking: RBI Mandates Migration to [.]bank[.]in Domains

Introduction

When a tragedy strikes, moments are fragile, people are vulnerable, emotions run high, and every second is important. In such critical situations, information becomes as crucial as food, water, shelter, and medication. As soon as any information is received, it often leads to stampedes and chaos. Alongside the tragedy, whether natural or man-made, emerges another threat: misinformation. People, desperate for answers, cling to whatever they can find.

Tragedies can take many forms. These may include natural disasters, mass accidents, terrorist activities, or other emergencies. During the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey, misinformation spread on social media claiming that the Yarseli Dam had cracked and was about to burst. People believed it and began migrating from the area. Panic followed, and search and rescue teams stopped operations in that zone. Precious hours were lost. Later, it was confirmed to be a rumour. By then, the damage was already done.

Similarly, after the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad, India, numerous rumours and WhatsApp messages spread rapidly. One message claimed to contain the investigation report on the crash of Air India flight AI-171. It was later called out by PIB and declared fake.

These examples show how misinformation can take control of already painful moments. During emergencies, when emotions are intense and fear is widespread, false information spreads faster and hits harder. Some people share it unknowingly, while others do so to gain attention or push a certain agenda. But for those already in distress, the effect is often the same. It brings ore confusion, heightens anxiety, and adds to their suffering.

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Understanding Disasters and the Role of Media in Crisis

Disaster can be defined as a natural or human-caused situation that causes a transformation from a usual life of society into a crisis that is far beyond its existing response capacity. It can have minimal or maximum effects, from mere disruption in daily life practices to as adverse as inability to meet basic requirements of life like food, water and shelter. Hence, the disaster is not just a sudden event. It becomes a disaster when it overwhelms a community’s ability to cope with it. 

To cope with such situations, there is an organised approach called Disaster Management.  It includes preventive measures, minimising damages and helping communities recover. Earlier, public institutions like governments used to be the main actors in disaster management, but today, with every small entity having a role, academic institutions, media outlets and even ordinary people are involved. 

Communication is an important element in disaster management. It saves lives when done correctly. People who are vulnerable need to know what’s happening, what they should do and where to seek help.  It involves risk in today’s instantaneous communication. 

Research shows that the media often fails to focus on disaster preparedness. For example, studies found that during the 2019 Istanbul earthquake, the media focused more on dramatic scenes than on educating people. Similar trends were seen during the 2023 Turkey earthquakes. Rather than helping people prepare or stay calm, much of the media coverage amplified fear and sensationalised suffering. This shows a shift from preventive, helpful reporting to reactive, emotional storytelling. In doing so, the media sometimes fails in its duty to support resilience and worse, can become a channel for spreading misinformation during already traumatic events. However, fighting misinformation is not just someone’s liability. It is penalised in the official disaster management strategy. Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 mentions that "Whoever makes or circulates a false alarm or warning as to disaster or its severity or magnitude, leading to panic, shall, on conviction, be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to one year or with a fine."

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AI as a Tool in Countering Misinformation 

AI has emerged as a powerful mechanism to fight against misinformation. AI technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML) are effective in spotting and classifying misinformation with up to 97% accuracy. AI flags unverified content, leading to a 24% decrease in shares and 7% drop in likes on platforms like TikTok.  Up to 95% fewer people view content on Facebook when fact-checking labels are used. Facebook AI also eliminates 86% of graphic violence, 96% of adult nudity, 98.5% of fake accounts and 99.5% of content related to terrorism. These tools help rebuild public trust in addition to limiting the dissemination of harmful content. In 2023, support for tech companies acting to combat misinformation rose to 65%, indicating a positive change in public expectations and awareness.

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How to Counter Misinformation

Experts should step up in such situations. Social media has allowed many so-called experts to spread fake information without any real knowledge, research, or qualification. In such conditions, real experts such as authorities, doctors, scientists, public health officials, researchers, etc., need to take charge. They can directly address the myths and false claims and stop misinformation before it spreads further and reduce confusion. 

Responsible journalism is crucial during crises. In times of panic, people look at the media for guidance. Hence, it is important to fact-check every detail before publishing. Reporting that is based on unclear tips, social media posts, or rumours can cause major harm by inciting mistrust, fear, or even dangerous behaviour. Cross-checking information, depending on reliable sources and promptly fixing errors are all components of responsible journalism. Protecting the public is more important than merely disseminating the news.

Focus on accuracy rather than speed. News spreads in a blink in today's world. Media outlets and influencers often come under pressure to publish it first.  But in tragic situations like natural disasters and disease outbreaks, rushing to come first is not as important as accuracy is, as a single piece of misinformation can spark mass-scale panic and can slow down emergency efforts and lead people to make rash decisions. Taking a little more time to check the facts ensures that the information being shared is helpful, not harmful. Accuracy may save numerous lives during tragedies. 

Misinformation spreads quickly it can only be prevented if people learn to critically evaluate what they hear and see. This entails being able to spot biased or deceptive headlines, cross-check claims and identify reliable sources.  Digital literacy is of utmost importance; it makes people less susceptible to fear-based rumours, conspiracy theories and hoaxes. 

Disaster preparedness programs should include awareness about the risks of spreading unverified information. Communities, schools and media platforms must educate people on how to respond responsibly during emergencies by staying calm, checking facts and sharing only credible updates. Spreading fake alerts or panic-inducing messages during a crisis is not only dangerous, but it can also have legal consequences. Public communication must focus on promoting trust, calm and clarity. When people understand the weight their words can carry during a crisis, they become part of the solution, not the problem.

References: 

1. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/3556152 
2. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/SMWG_Countering-False-Info-Social-Media-Disasters-Emergencies_Mar2018-508.pdf 
3. https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/fake-whatsapp-message-air-india-crash-pib-fact-check-fcwmvuyc ‍
4. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/SMWG_Countering-False-Info-Social-Media-Disasters-Emergencies_Mar2018-508.pdf

Introduction

The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, of 2023, introduces a framework for the protection of personal data in India. Data fiduciaries are the entity that essentially determines the purpose and means of processing of personal data. The small-scale industries also fall within the ambit of the term. Startups/Small companies and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) while determining the purpose of processing of personal data in the capacity of ‘data fiduciary’ are also required to comply with the DPDP Act provisions. The obligations set for the data fiduciary will apply to them unilaterally, though compliance with this Act and can be challenging due to resource constraints and limited expertise in data protection. 

DPDP Act, 2023 Section 17(3) gives power to the Central Government to exempt Startups from being obligated to comply with the Act, taking into account the volume and nature of personal data processed. It is the nation's first standalone law on data protection and privacy, which sets forth strict rules on how data fiduciaries can collect and process personal data, focusing on consent-based mechanisms and personal data protection. Small-scale industries are given more time to comply with the DPDP Act. The detailed provisions to be notified in further rulemaking called ‘DPDP rules’.

Obligations on Data Fiduciary under the DPDP Act, 2023

The DPDP Act focuses on processing digital personal data in a manner that recognizes both the right of individuals to protect their personal data and the need to process such personal data for lawful purposes and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Hence, small-scale industries also need to comply with provisions aimed at protecting digital personal data.

The key requirements to be considered:

• Data Processing Principles: Ensuring that data processing is done lawfully, fairly, and transparently. Further, the collection and processing of personal data is only for specific, clear, and legitimate purposes and only the data necessary for the stated purpose. Ensuring that the data is accurate and up to date is also necessary. An important part is that the data is not retained longer than necessary and appropriate security measures are taken to protect the said data.
• Consent Management: Clear and informed consent should be obtained from individuals before collecting their personal data. Further, individuals have the option to withdraw their consent easily.
• Rights of Data Principals: Data principals (individuals) whose data is being collected have the right to Information, the right to correction and erasure of data, the right to grievance redressa, Right to nominate.the right to access, correct, and delete their personal data. Data fiduciaries need to be mindful of mechanisms to handle requests from data principals regarding their concerns.
• Data Breach Notifications: Data fiduciaries are required to notify the data protection board and the affected individuals in case a data breach has occurred.
• Appropriate technical and organisational measures: A Data Fiduciary shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure effective observance of the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder.Cross-border Data Transfers: Compliance with regulations in relation to the transfer of personal data outside of India should be ensured.

Challenges for Small Scale Industries for the DPDP Act Compliance 

While small-scale industries have high aims for their organisational growth and now in the digital age they also need to place reliance on online security measures and handling of personal data, with the DPDP act in the picture it becomes an obligation to consider and comply with. As small-scale industries including MSMEs, they might face certain challenges in fulfilling these obligations but digital data protection measures will also boost the competitive market and customer growth in their business. Bringing reforms in methods aimed at better data governance in today's digital era is significant. 

One of the major challenges for small-scale industries could be ensuring a skilled workforce that understands and educates internal stakeholders about the DPDP Act compliances. This could undoubtedly become an additional burden.

Further, the limited resources can make the implementation of data protection, which is oftentimes complex for a layperson in the case of a small-scale industry, difficult to implement. Limitations in resources are often financial or human resources.

Cybersecurity, cyber awareness, and protection from cyber threats need some form of expertise, which is lacking in small enterprises. The outsourcing of such expertise is a decision that is sometimes taken too late, and some form of harm can take place between the periods by which an incident can occur.

Investment in the core business or enterprise many times doesn't include technology other than the basic requirements to run the business, nor towards ensuring that the data is secure and all compliances are met. However, in the fast-moving digital world, all industries need to be mindful of their efforts to protect personal data and proper data governance.

Recommendations 

To ensure the proper and effective personal data handling practices as per the provisions of the act, the small companies/startups need to work backend and frontend and ensure that they take adequate measures to comply with the act. While such industries have been given more time to ensure compliance, there are some suggestions for them to be compliant with the new law.

Small companies can ensure compliance with the DPDP Act by implementing robust data protection policies, investing in and providing employee training on data privacy, using age-verification mechanisms, and adopting privacy-by-design principles. Conduct a gap analysis to identify areas where current practices fall short of DPDP Act requirements. Regular audits, secure data storage solutions, and transparent communication with users about data practices are also essential. Use cost-effective tools and technologies for data protection and management.

Conclusion

Small-scale industries must take proactive steps to align with the DPDP Act, 2023 provisions. By understanding the requirements, leveraging external expertise, and adopting best practices, small-scale industries can ensure compliance and protect personal data effectively. In the long run, complying with the new law would lead to greater trust and better business for the enterprises, resulting in a larger revenue share for them.

References

• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1959161 
• https://www.financialexpress.com/business/digital-transformation-dpdp-act-managing-data-protection-compliance-in-businesses-3305293/ 
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/big-tech-coalition-seeks-12-18-month-extension-to-comply-with-indias-dpdp-act/articleshow/104726843.cms?from=mdr 

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Introduction

In the vast, cosmic-like expanse of international relations, a sphere marked by the gravitational pull of geopolitical interests, a singular issue has emerged, casting a long shadow over the fabric of Indo-Canadian diplomacy. It is a narrative spun from an intricate loom, interlacing the yarns of espionage and political machinations, shadowboxing with the transient, yet potent, specter of state-sanctioned violence. The recent controversy undulating across this geopolitical landscape owes its origins to the circulation of claims which the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) vehemently dismisses as a distorted tapestry of misinformation—a phantasmagoric fable divorced from reality. 

This maelstrom of contention orbits around the alleged existence of a 'secret memo', a document reportedly dispatched with stealth from the helm of the Indian government to its consulates peppered across the vast North American continent. This mysterious communique, assuming its spectral presence within the report, was described as a directive catalyzing a 'sophisticated crackdown scheme' against specific Sikh diaspora organizations. A proclamation that MEA has repudiated with adamantine certainty, branding the report as a meticulously fabricated fiction.

THE MEA Stance 

The official statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emerged as a paragon of clarity cutting through the dense fog of accusations, 'We strongly assert that such reports are fake and emphatically concocted. The referenced memo is non-existent. This narrative is a chapter in the protracted saga of a disinformation campaign aimed against India.' The outlet responsible for airing this contentious story, as per the Indian authorities, has a historical penchant for circulating narratives aligned with the interests of rival intelligence agencies, particularly those associated with Pakistani strategic circles—a claim infusing yet another complex layer to the situation at hand.

The report that catapulted itself onto the stage with the force of an untamed tempest insists the 'secret memo' was decked with several names—all belonging to individuals under the hawk-like gaze of Indian intelligence. 

The Plague of Disinformation

The profoundly intricate confluence of diplomacy is one that commands grace, poise, and an acute sense of balance—nations effortlessly tip-toeing around sensitivities, proffering reciprocity and an equitable stance within the grand ballroom of international affairs. Hence, when S. Jaishankar, India's Minister of External Affairs, found himself fielding inquiries on the perceived inconsistent treatment afforded to Canada compared to the US—despite similar claims emanating from both—his response was the embodiment of diplomatic discretion: 'As far as Canada is concerned, there was a glaring absence of specific evidence or inputs provided to us. The robust question of equitable treatment between two nations, where only one has furnished substantive input and the other has not, is naturally unmerited.'

The articulation from the Ministry's spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, further solidified India's stance. He calls into question the credibility of The Intercept—the publication that initially disseminated the report—accusing it of acting as a vessel for 'invented narratives' propagated under the auspices of Pakistani intelligence interests.

Conclusion 

In the grand theater of international politics, the distinction between reality and deception is frequently obscured by the heavy drapes of secrecy and diplomatic guile. The persistent denial by the Indian government of any 'secret memo' serves as a critical reminder of the blurred lines between narrative and counter-narrative in the global concert of power and persuasion. As observant spectators within the arena of world politics, we are endowed with the unenviable task of untangling the convoluted web of claims and counterclaims, hoping to uncover the enduring truths that linger therein. In this domain of authentic and imaginary tales, the only unwavering certainty is the persistent rhythm of diplomatic interplay and the subtle shadows it casts upon the international stage. The Ministry of External Affairs fact-checked a claim on the secret memo, rubbishing it as fake and fabricated. The government has said there is a deliberate disinformation campaign that has been on against India. 

References

• https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mea-denies-report-it-issued-secret-memo-on-nijjar-to-missions/articleshow/105884217.cms?from=mdr
• https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-denies-secret-memo-against-nijjar-report-peddled-by-pak-intelligence-101702229753576.html