‘Urgently need stringent legislation, impacts certain sections of society': Mamata writes to Shah over rise of cyber crime
The letter, written on July 3, stated, 'I write to convey my deep concern over an issue that is increasingly posing serious challenges to public tranquillity… incendiary narratives, misleading stories and fake videos circulating on social media are contributing significantly to the aggravation of criminal tendencies among certain sections of society.'
'Such content not only spreads misinformation but also has the potential to inflame communal sentiments, incite violence, disrupt societal harmony and (increase) crime against women. The instantaneous and wide-reaching nature of misuse of digital platforms amplifies these effects manifold,' the letter read.
Highlighting the rise in cyber crime including financial frauds, Banerjee wrote, '… the menace of cyber crime is growing both in complexity and in its detrimental impact. From financial frauds and identity theft to online harassment and defamation, cybercrimes are exacting a severe toll on individuals and institutions alike. Notably, both provocative social media posts and cybercrimes disproportionately affect the vulnerable sections of society — women, children, the elderly, and those from economically weaker backgrounds.'
The letter claimed that the 'current legal framework and its enforcement requires further strengthening' to keep pace with 'the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and sophisticated methods employed by malicious actors.'
Banerjee noted that it is equally important to spread 'awareness regarding the responsible use and consumption of digital media'.
Ravik Bhattacharya is the Chief of Bureau of The Indian Express, Kolkata. Over 20 years of experience in the media industry and covered politics, crime, major incidents and issues, apart from investigative stories in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam and Andaman Nicobar islands. Ravik won the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award in 2007 for political reporting.
Ravik holds a bachelor degree with English Hons from Scottish Church College under Calcutta University and a PG diploma in mass communication from Jadavpur University. Ravik started his career with The Asian Age and then moved to The Statesman, The Telegraph and Hindustan Times. ... Read More
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