PM Modi Expresses Concern Over Digital Fraud and Cyber Crime, Warns of Serious Social Impact
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern about digital fraud and cybercrime again on Sunday, stressing that such crimes could have a serious impact on social and family life. He had previously raised similar concerns. Speaking at the 59th Annual Conference of Directors General of Police and Inspectors General of Police in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the Prime Minister highlighted the dangers posed by cybercrimes such as digital arrest and deepfake technology.
The conference also addressed issues like terrorism and left-wing extremism.
PM Modi suggested that police forces should increase the use of technology to reduce the burden on constables. He recommended that police stations be the central point for resource allocation. According to official reports, the conference covered various security concerns, including issues along the Bangladesh and Myanmar borders, urban policing, and strategies to handle false posts on social media. Discussions also focused on national security challenges such as terrorism, left-wing extremism, economic security, immigration, coastal security, and drug trafficking.
The Prime Minister urged the police to view digital fraud, cybercrime, and artificial intelligence as challenges to be turned into opportunities. He praised the progress in urban policing and proposed that successful initiatives be implemented in 100 cities. He emphasized the need for a smart police system and urged police to be strategic, adaptable, transparent, and trustworthy. The idea of smart policing was introduced by PM Modi in 2014, aiming for a modern, tech-savvy, and responsive police force.
He also mentioned the success of a recent hackathon in solving key problems and suggested organizing a National Police Hackathon. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of improving port security and creating a future action plan for it. He called for the police to modernize in line with the vision of a developed India.
Since 2014, this conference has been held outside Delhi. Around 250 top police officers attended in person, while more than 750 participated virtually. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were also present. The conference has been held in various cities since 2014, including Guwahati, Dhordo, Kevadia, Pune, Lucknow, and Delhi, with the latest session in Bhubaneswar.
