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MHA and States Engage 54,800 Cyber Volunteers to Monitor and Report Unlawful Online Content: Report

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New Powers to I4C Aimed at Enhancing Coordination Against Cyber Threats

NEW DELHI: The fight against cybercrime in India has gained a major boost, with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announcing the enrollment of 54,833 cybercrime volunteers as part of its Cyber Volunteer Framework.

This initiative, launched by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) in 2020, seeks to bring together passionate citizens to assist in combating cybercrime.

A Citizen-Driven Cybercrime Defense Force

The volunteers, categorized as Unlawful Content Flaggers, Cyber Awareness Promoters, and Cyber Experts, are tasked with reporting illegal content, raising cyber hygiene awareness, and supporting law enforcement agencies. According to the MHA’s annual report for 2023-24, the framework has attracted:

22,942 Unlawful Content Flaggers
22,071 Awareness Promoters
9,819 Cyber Experts

The initiative allows any Indian citizen to join this mission by registering on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).

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Unlawful Content Categories

Volunteers flag content that threatens national integrity, security, and public order, including:

Material against India’s sovereignty and defense.
Content disrupting communal harmony or inciting violence.
Child sexual abuse material.

How to Join the Cybercrime Volunteer Network

Becoming a cybercrime volunteer involves a simple registration process:

1. Visit the portal www.cybercrime.gov.in.
2. Create a login ID and verify using a one-time password (OTP).
3. Fill in your personal details, upload required documents (ID proof, address proof, and a passport-sized photograph), and select your volunteer role:
  • Unlawful Content Flagger
  • Cyber Awareness Promoter
  • Cyber Expert
4. Provide reasons for volunteering, outline your skills, and submit the application.

After completing registration, candidates undergo verification before their profiles are activated.

Cybercrime Portal: A One-Stop Reporting Platform

Launched in 2019, the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal provides a centralized platform for citizens to report all forms of cybercrime, from financial fraud to child exploitation. The portal averages 67,000 calls daily, with law enforcement agencies identifying 1,500 to 2,000 mule accounts used for fraud every day.

Escalating Cyber Threats

The scale of cyber threats in India continues to rise. In September 2023, during the G20 summit, the official website g20.in faced an organized cyberattack peaking on September 9-10. This incident underscores the urgent need for a robust cyber defense mechanism.

A study warns that cyberattacks on India could reach a staggering 17 trillion by 2047, making proactive measures like the Cyber Volunteer Framework crucial.

Partnerships with Big Tech

The I4C has also partnered with tech giants like Google and Meta (Facebook) to counter organized cybercrimes. Google has collaborated with the I4C to monitor and flag fraudulent investment schemes exploiting its advertising platform.

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From January to March 2024 alone, over 1.1 lakh cybercrime complaints were linked to platforms like:

WhatsApp: 43,797 complaints
Telegram: 22,680 complaints
Instagram: 19,800 complaints
Facebook: 20,766 complaints
YouTube: 3,882 complaints

Rising Cybercrime in India

The financial impact of cybercrimes is alarming. For instance, citizens in Cyberabad reported losses totaling ₹793 crore in just one year, with a nearly 900% increase in “digital arrest” scams.

The Road Ahead

The Cyber Volunteer Framework is more than just a government initiative; it’s a call to action for every Indian. By involving citizens, the MHA is building a robust digital defense system that bridges the gap between law enforcement and the public.

For those eager to make a difference, the registration portal remains open at www.cybercrime.gov.in. Whether you’re a tech-savvy expert or someone passionate about spreading awareness, there’s a role for everyone in this mission.

Together, with the collective efforts of citizens, tech giants, and law enforcement, India is building a safer and more secure digital future. Let’s be part of the solution and take a stand against cybercrime.

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