Govt orders WhatsApp to block device IDs used in digital arrest scams: Sources
India Today
The government has ordered WhatsApp to block device IDs linked to "digital arrest" scams, following a report from Ministry of Home Affairs report flagging rising cyber fraud.
The government has ordered WhatsApp to block device IDs being used in the digital arrest scam as part of a stricter crackdown on cyber fraud, sources said. The move follows a report by the Ministry of Home Affairs' cyber wing, I4C, which has recommended action against the growing threat.
The scammers frequently create new accounts to continue their operations, prompting authorities to consider device-level restrictions to curb repeat misuse. The government is also examining the possibility of introducing safety features on platforms like WhatsApp.
Officials are further stressing the need to retain data of deleted accounts for up to 180 days under the IT Rules 2021. This, they believe, will help investigative agencies access critical information during probes.
In addition, a large-scale plan is being prepared to identify and block malicious APK files and fake apps linked to such scams.
In digital arrest scams, fraudsters impersonate police or law enforcement agencies to intimidate victims and extort money. They often use platforms like WhatsApp to conduct video calls, creating a false impression of a “digital arrest” to pressure victims into transferring funds. The latest measures aim to curb these practices and strengthen user safety.
On the night of March 18, after completing his work at a factory, Ravi was speaking on the phone with his wife, Ritu, when a sudden explosion occurred. The call disconnected abruptly, and his phone went dead shortly after.
A quiet Rajasthan village is shaken after an elderly woman's brutal killing exposes chilling details of greed, betrayal and violence, as police trace how the crime unfolded and a neighbour emerged as the accused.
With hundreds of vessels anchored and crude flows stalled, two Indian LPG tankers prepare to sail through Hormuz.
The National Capital Region woke up to a dense fog on Saturday, as the temperature dipped following heavy rainfall on Friday.
Fear, influence and silence shape the unfolding Ashok Kharat abuse case in Maharashtra, as villagers, officials and even victims hesitate to speak, while investigators uncover disturbing evidence and a vast network of connections.
The move follows internal challenges faced by both leaders. Ramadoss, founder of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), has been at odds with his son Anbumani Ramadoss over control of the party. Despite being the founder, he has been unable to legally reclaim the party symbol or leadership post. Sasikala, a close aide of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, has also struggled to regain influence within the AIADMK.
Former J&K DGP SP Vaid defended Dhurandhar as based on truth, while Congress criticised it as BJP propaganda, sparking a political row despite the film's strong box office performance.
UP government will distribute nursing officer appointment letters on March 22, ending months of delay and protests by candidates despite the recruitment process being completed earlier.
Bengaluru is planning to ban street vendors on main and sub-main roads, creating designated vending zones to ease pedestrian movement. DK Shivakumar also announced fines up to Rs 1 lakh for illegal flex banners and action against abandoned vehicles.
IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet have opposed the government's move to make 60% of seats free for selection, warning it will hurt revenues. Airlines say the loss will likely be offset by higher ticket fares, impacting overall affordability for passengers.
Police said he manipulated a 35-year-old married woman through rituals and claims of divine powers, drugged her with intoxicants, hypnotised her, and repeatedly assaulted her.
Vishnu Yadav was beaten to death by his father-in-law, mother-in-law, and four sisters-in-law as his wife watched in horror, unable to help him or cry out as her limbs were tied and mouth gagged.