The Indian government has directed app-based communication services like WhatsApp and Telegram to ensure continuous linkage to a user's active SIM card to combat cyber fraud. Non-compliance will result in penalties under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
The Indian government has extended the deadline for implementing SIM-binding rules for mobile messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to December 31, following requests from the industry. The Department of Telecom has also relaxed the mandatory six-hour log-out rule for web versions of these apps.
The WhatsApp account of the Barwani district collector in Madhya Pradesh was hacked, with fraudsters sending messages to her contacts requesting money.
The missive has, however, polarised stakeholders, with mobile operators under COAI coming out in its support, while digital platforms under the aegis of Broadband India Forum expressing "serious concerns" around overreach and calling for a pause in implementation of timelines.
The Haryana Police have launched 'Abhedya', a mobile application designed to curb cybercrime, extortion, and threatening calls. This initiative makes Haryana the first state in India to introduce such a measure, aiming to protect citizens from various forms of digital harassment.
Police investigation reveals doctors linked to Al Falah University used the Threema app to plan the Delhi blast. The app's encryption and private server capabilities made it difficult to trace their communications.
The management of Kannur Dental College has refuted allegations of caste discrimination in connection with the death of a BDS student, attributing the incident to issues related to a loan obtained through a mobile app.
The directions follow a report by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, which has seen a new pattern of transnational cyber-enabled financial fraud and investment scam, impersonating as stockbrokers and company executives.
Elvish Yadav, winner of Bigg Boss OTT 2, has reported receiving an extortion threat for Rs 10 crore from an individual claiming ties to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Police have registered an FIR and are investigating the matter.
A 30-year-old man was arrested in Hyderabad for allegedly impersonating a CISF officer to deceive a woman and her family into marriage. He used photographs in uniform on social media and matrimonial platforms to falsely project himself as a central government employee.
A 64-year-old man from Thane was allegedly defrauded of 1.56 crore by cybercriminals using a 'digital arrest' scam, involving forged documents and constant surveillance.
The management of Kannur Dental College has refuted allegations of caste discrimination in connection with the death of a BDS student, suggesting a loan taken through a mobile app was a contributing factor. Police are investigating the case, which involves allegations of abetment of suicide and violations of the SC/ST Act.
App-based communication services providers and Indian telcos are at loggerheads over the SIM-binding directions issued by the department of telecom, which are to be complied with by the end of February 2026.
A software engineer earning a high salary allegedly abandoned his career to run a fake online trading racket, duping investors of nearly Rs 100 crore.
A woman constable in Mumbai Police was allegedly defrauded of Rs 12.46 lakh after her mobile phone was hacked via an APK file, leading to a personal loan being fraudulently obtained in her name.
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested a Muslim cleric from Deoband for allegedly sharing inflammatory content on social media and maintaining contacts with individuals in Pakistan.
Jharkhand police have uncovered an interstate cyber fraud network and arrested four individuals involved in fraudulent transactions across 24 states. The investigation was initiated following inputs from the Union Home Ministry's 'Samanvaya portal', leading to the discovery of a bank account in Ramgarh district used for the illicit activities.
Rajasthan Police have issued an advisory warning citizens about potential cyber fraud attempts disguised as part of the ongoing digital census. Scammers may use various methods, including fake calls, messages, and in-person visits, to steal personal and financial information.
A 78-year-old woman in Mumbai was defrauded of over 25 lakh after a scammer gained access to her mobile phone under the guise of updating her electricity bill details.
A 35-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly defrauding over 500 women across India of more than Rs 2 crore through fake social media and dating app profiles.
The Maharashtra government is forming a committee headed by the Director General of Police to address the issue of defamation through social media platforms. The committee will study the issue and suggest measures to take action against those who defame individuals through social media.
Cyber intelligence firm CloudSEK reports that online fraudsters are using a new toolkit called 'Digital Lutera' to bypass security features of UPI apps and carry out fraudulent financial transactions.
With the Department of Telecom asking mobile phone makers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi application in new handsets, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday described it as a 'snooping app' and alleged that the government is turning the country into a dictatorship.
Cyber threats aren't always invisible -- sometimes they're right beside you.
Activist Anjali Damania used AI to analyse call data records of a self-styled godman, claiming potential links to political figures and unusual financial activity.
While experts claimed that Patanjali's Swadeshi messaging app was removed form Google Play over security concerns, Kimbho declared that it was removed because of heavy traffic.
Punjab Police is using intelligence-led policing and digital tools, including AI-powered voice recognition, to combat organised crime and dismantle gangster networks operating across states and continents.
India has launched digital tools for its upcoming fully digital Census 2027, including mobile apps and a self-enumeration portal, aiming for efficient and accurate data collection.
Days after his ministry told smartphone makers to preload a state-run cybersecurity app on all new devices, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Tuesday said users are free to delete the Sanchar Saathi app, and it will remain dormant till they register on it.
Activist Anjali Damania defends her use of AI to analyse call data records of arrested godman Ashok Kharat, amidst opposition scrutiny and allegations of illegal activity.
Paytm (One 97 Communications Ltd), India's full-stack merchant payments leader serving MSMEs and enterprises, has launched a fully redesigned version of its flagship app, integrating artificial intelligence-driven features to streamline and personalise everyday transactions for its users.
Mobile internet services have been suspended in five districts of western Meghalaya following violence related to tribal council elections. Curfews are in place and elections have been postponed.
Members of the terror module under scanner for the deadly blast near the Red Fort, relied on an unusual yet effective method of communication to avoid detection -- through unsent emails kept as drafts.
The outcome of the investigations essentially formed the basis for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to issue a sweeping directive on November 28 last year, mandating that app-based communication services like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal must be continuously linked to an active, physical SIM card within the device.
Two men have been arrested in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly sharing photos and location details of religious sites with a Pakistan-based gangster network, raising concerns of a potential terror plot.
'As long as apps show impossible delivery times, delivery and packaging workers will be pressured to meet unsafe, unhealthy standards.'
The family of a doctor who allegedly committed suicide in Maharashtra claims her phone was unlocked and data erased after her death, raising suspicions of foul play.
The government on Wednesday withdrew the order mandating pre-installation of cyber security app Sanchar Saathi on smartphones by manufacturers.
Digital lending apps extend small amounts at exorbitant rates. Payment delays invite messages to customer or close family members, often with sensitive information such as Aadhaar and PAN Card scans.
A retired soldier of Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh has been duped of Rs 98 lakh after being kept under 15 days 'digital arrest' by the fraudsters, officials said on Friday.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances