Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has delivered a significant message to the people of the state, urging them to remain vigilant against the growing threat of cybercrime. Through his special letter, 'Yogi ki Paati,' and his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Chief Minister explicitly stated that there is no provision for 'digital arrest' under any law in the country, while he emphasized that while mobile phones and computers have made life easier and more convenient, they've also brought forth new challenges in the form of cybercrime, making vigilance and awareness the most potent weapons against these threats.
Debunking 'Digital Arrest': A Widespread Scam
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath specifically warned the public about the fraudulent practice of 'digital arrest, while ' He explained that criminals use misleading and false terms like 'digital arrest' to intimidate innocent citizens and extort money from them. This deceptive tactic often involves fraudsters impersonating police officers or other government agency officials,. Threatening arrest via video calls, WhatsApp, or other social media platforms, and demanding immediate payment. CM Yogi clarified that no law in India supports the concept of 'digital arrest,' and no police or government agency arrests individuals via video calls, WhatsApp, or social media, nor do they demand money through such channels. This crucial information is vital for citizens to protect themselves from falling prey to such sophisticated cyber scams.
Government's Proactive Measures Against Cybercrime
Highlighting the state government's commitment to combating cybercrime, the Chief Minister detailed the significant steps taken in Uttar Pradesh. He noted that prior to 2017, there were only 2 cybercrime police stations in the state. Today, all 75 districts have operational cybercrime police stations. Plus, cyber help desks have been established in all district police stations to provide immediate assistance to citizens facing cybercrime issues. This expansion demonstrates the government's dedication to strengthening the cyber security infrastructure, ensuring that resources are available across the state to tackle cyber offenses effectively. These initiatives aim to curb the activities of cybercriminals and provide a secure digital environment for the public.
Awareness and Vigilance: The Strongest Defense
In his message, CM Yogi stressed that vigilance and awareness are the most powerful tools against cyber fraudsters. He appealed to people to become aware and to educate those around them, especially senior citizens, who are often more vulnerable targets for cybercriminals. Awareness involves recognizing online threats, refraining from clicking on suspicious links, avoiding responses to emails or messages from unknown sources, and safeguarding personal information. This proactive approach is essential for individuals to protect themselves from falling into the traps set by cybercriminals, empowering them to navigate the digital world safely.
Exercising Caution on Social Media
The Chief Minister also advised caution regarding the use of social media, while he pointed out that criminals often gather information about individuals through publicly shared photos, videos, or location data, and then use this information against them. He urged citizens never to share their personal information or One Time Passwords (OTPs) with anyone. Maintaining strong privacy settings on social media platforms and avoiding the sharing of unnecessary personal details are crucial steps. Misuse of personal data by criminals can lead to identity theft,. Financial fraud, and other serious crimes, making responsible social media use paramount.
Immediate Action: What to Do in Case of Cybercrime
CM Yogi also provided clear instructions on what to do if one becomes a victim of cybercrime despite taking precautions. He advised reporting the incident immediately to the helpline number 1930. He emphasized that the sooner the police are informed, the higher the chances of recovery and intervention. This 24x7 helpline ensures prompt action, which can not only help in preventing fraudulent transactions but also aid in apprehending the culprits, while timely reporting is a critical factor in mitigating the damage caused by cyber offenses.
Building a Secure and Cybercrime-Free Uttar Pradesh
Concluding his message, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called upon all citizens, stating, “Let us all work together to build a safe and cybercrime-free Uttar Pradesh, while ” This appeal encourages every resident of the state to take responsibility for their digital security and contribute to creating a secure online environment through collective effort. The synergy between government initiatives and public awareness is key to making Uttar Pradesh free from cybercrimes, allowing all citizens to safely enjoy the benefits of the digital age without fear.
