Combating Cyber Slavery: India's Urgent Response I UPSC

Description

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Context:

Cyber slavery has entrapped thousands of Indians in Southeast Asia.

What is Cyber Slavery?

According to the CyberPeace Foundation, cyber slavery is a modern form of slavery "that begins with online deception and evolves into physical human trafficking."

"It can take many different forms, such as coercive involvement in cybercrime, forced employment in online frauds, exploitation in the gig economy, or involuntary slavery.".

Recent reports indicate that tens of thousands of Indians may be entrapped in cyber slavery across Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos. The Indian government has recognized the gravity of this situation and has begun to take decisive action.

The Modus Operandi of Cyber Slavery

Cyber criminals typically target young Indians, often in their 20s and 30s, by advertising enticing job opportunities in data entry or customer service.

Once victims arrive in countries like Cambodia and Laos, they face harsh realities. Their passports are confiscated, and they are coerced into making fraudulent calls, primarily targeting their fellow countrymen back home.

The Broader Implications

The implications of cyber slavery extend beyond individual victims. The practice contributes to a growing culture of cybercrime that targets Indians, with 45% of such crimes originating from Southeast Asia.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has received approximately 100,000 complaints since January 2023, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to combat this issue.

Government Measures

Government Measures	Details
*Telecom Ministry's Response*	The Indian government has disconnected 21.7 million mobile phone connections linked to cyber slavery operations and blocked approximately 226,000 handsets to disrupt communication channels used by scammers.
*Inter-Ministerial Panel*	An inter-ministerial panel has been established, comprising members from various ministries, including the Home Ministry and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), to coordinate efforts against cyber slavery.
*Blocking Spoofed Calls*	Telecom operators are tasked with blocking incoming international calls that display Indian mobile numbers, which constitute a significant portion of fraudulent communication.
*Data Monitoring*	The government is actively monitoring Indian mobile numbers that are roaming in Southeast Asian countries to trace and assist individuals in distress.

CyberPeace Policy Recommendations

Social media companies and regulatory authorities must collaborate to address emerging cybercrimes and develop robust preventive measures against misuse of technology.
Enhance international cooperation to tackle jurisdictional challenges and anonymity issues in cyber human trafficking.
Implement strong legislation addressing both national and international human trafficking, with strict penalties for offenders.
Raise awareness among netizens about cybercriminal tactics, such as fake job offers.
Encourage individuals to stay vigilant and verify information from authentic sources to protect themselves from trafficking.
Strengthen specialized government operations for timely rescue of victims of cyber human trafficking, building on ongoing efforts by the Indian government and its agencies.
Promote support mechanisms through government entities, cybersecurity experts, and NGOs to empower citizens in online safety.
Establish helplines or help centers for reporting suspicious activity, fostering a safer internet experience while enhancing defenses against cyber threats.

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Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mobile-connections-telecom-ministry-disconnection-cyber-slavery-9595654/

https://www.cyberpeace.org/resources/blogs/cyber-slavery-a-serious-concern

https://www.news18.com/india/shock-treatment-physical-abuse-indians-getting-trafficked-for-cyber-slavery-to-dupe-other-indians-8954038.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-68705913

https://therecord.media/india-rescued-cambodia-scam-centers-citizens

https://www.the420.in/rescue-indian-tech-workers-cambodia-cyber-fraud-awareness/

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Cyber Slavery has emerged as a modern form of human trafficking, exploiting individuals through digital platforms. Critically examine the causes and measures to combat cyber slavery in the Indian context. (250 Words)