New Delhi: In response to questions during a Lok Sabha session on 27 November, Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada elaborated on the government’s efforts to address grievances related to cyber fraud and online fraud.
He also outlined initiatives aimed at curbing fake reviews, misleading advertisements, and counterfeit products on online platforms.
Ensuring Safe and Accountable Internet
Prasada stated that the government’s policies focus on providing an open, safe, trusted, and accountable internet for users across India. Key measures include the implementation of regulatory frameworks and the establishment of mechanisms to ensure compliance by online platforms.
Key Initiatives to Combat Fraud
- IT Rules, 2021: Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) introduced the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These rules impose due diligence obligations on intermediaries, requiring them not to host, store, or publish information violating existing laws. Failure to comply results in intermediaries losing the legal exemption under Section 79 of the IT Act.
- Consumer Protection Advisory: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, issued a comprehensive advisory on March 6, 2024. This advisory prohibits advertisements promoting unlawful activities, emphasizing compliance with the Consumer Protection Act.
- Media and Social Media Guidelines: On March 21, 2024, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued an advisory urging media and social media platforms to refrain from publishing or broadcasting advertisements for online betting platforms, including surrogate promotions. Online advertisement intermediaries were advised against targeting such advertisements toward Indian audiences.
Grievance Redressal Mechanisms
Prasada detailed a multi-faceted grievance redressal framework to address cyber and online fraud:
- IT Rules, 2021: Intermediaries must appoint Grievance Officers to ensure time-bound resolution of complaints. Victims dissatisfied with the resolution can appeal to the Grievance Appellate Committee within 30 days.
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019: The Department of Consumer Affairs offers a three-tier quasi-judicial grievance mechanism at district, state, and national levels for speedy dispute resolution. These forums are empowered to provide relief and compensation for unfair trade practices.
- Consumer Protection (e-Commerce) Rules, 2020: These rules define the responsibilities and liabilities of e-commerce entities, including marketplace and inventory-based platforms, while mandating customer grievance redressal mechanisms.
- Regulation of Dark Patterns: The CCPA issued guidelines on November 30, 2023, to prevent and regulate dark patterns in e-commerce, identifying 13 specific manipulative practices.
- Cybercrime Coordination: The Ministry of Home Affairs established the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) to support law enforcement in addressing cybercrimes. It also launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, enabling the public to report cyber fraud. Incidents are forwarded to the appropriate state or union territory law enforcement agencies for action.
With initiatives spanning legal, regulatory, and enforcement frameworks, the government is committed to safeguarding users from cyber fraud and ensuring accountability from online platforms. Prasada emphasized that these measures aim to foster a secure and trustworthy digital ecosystem for all stakeholders.
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