SC seeks strict action on digital arrest fraud
What did the Supreme Court say on digital arrests? Live Events Supreme Court flags growing threat of deepfakes Centre says draft law on digital arrests
What did the Supreme Court say on digital arrests? Live Events Supreme Court flags growing threat of deepfakes Centre says draft law on digital arrests and deepfakes is being prepared Government seeks stronger banking safeguards against cyber fraud CBI investigating major digital arrest fraud cases Delhi widow’s Rs 1.64 crore digital arrest case under CBI probe What is a digital arrest? as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Addas a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The Supreme Court on Tuesday suggested that the Centre consider introducing a separate legal definition for ‘digital arrest’ in India’s penal laws and making it a standalone criminal offence with stricter punishments to tackle the growing menace of cyber fraud.Hearing a matter related to cyber-enabled financial frauds, a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India () Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohan, observed that existing laws may not be sufficient to address evolving online crimes such as digital arrests and deepfakes.The court also indicated that the assets of accused persons could be frozen once a prima facie case is established based on reasoned evidence.The Bench suggested that the Centre formally recognise digital arrests as a distinct offence under criminal law.“You may need to formally define ‘digital arrests’ in penal laws.
It also has elements of extortion and robbery. Perhaps, you need to define this as a standalone offence with serious consequences, along with a provision that when something is found against an accused, his assets could be frozen,” Surya Kant observed, as quoted by PTI.The court’s observations come amid a sharp rise in cyber scams in which fraudsters impersonate police officers, investigating agencies, court officials or government personnel through video and audio calls to intimidate victims into transferring money.The Bench also highlighted the increasing misuse of deepfake technology, saying that laws need to evolve to tackle emerging cyber threats.“We now have deepfakes. It can be used for cheating and impersonation. You fight with the given tooth, but you need to chisel it as well. Under Article 142, we cannot define a crime,” Justice Joymalya Bagchi said, as quoted by PTI.The court emphasised that while it can issue directions, creating new criminal offences remains the responsibility of Parliament.Responding to the court’s observations, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Bench that the government is already working on legislation covering digital arrests, deepfakes and other emerging cybercrimes.“There is a draft Bill which is coming up. Possibly it will take care of digital arrests, deepfakes etc.
The BriefWire