Supreme Court Seeks Government Response on Rising Cybercrimes and Spam Calls
The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the Central Government in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting the significant increase in cybercrimes and the persistent nuisance of unsolicited spam calls across the country.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar acknowledged the concerns presented in the PIL filed by Gowrishankar, a resident of Bengaluru. The petitioner emphasized the urgent need for effective measures to combat the escalating cyber threats and the proliferation of spam calls that compromise the privacy and security of individuals.
The PIL advocates for the implementation of the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service by telecom network operators. This service would enable the identification of a caller’s name, displayed in the caller ID section of the recipient’s phone, thereby empowering individuals to make informed decisions about incoming calls and effectively combat spam and fraudulent communications.
The Supreme Court has directed the Department of Telecommunications to respond to the issues raised, acknowledging the efforts of government agencies in addressing cybercrimes but recognizing the necessity for enhanced measures. The bench stated, “Yes, we understand the problem is there. Let the Centre respond.”
This judicial intervention underscores the growing concern over cyber security and the protection of citizens from digital frauds and privacy invasions. The implementation of services like CNAP could play a pivotal role in mitigating these challenges, ensuring a safer digital environment for the populace.
As the nation witnesses a surge in digital communication, the Supreme Court’s notice serves as a critical step towards reinforcing cyber laws and safeguarding individuals from the adverse effects of technological misuse.
