PANAJI
Armed with the authority to take a call on hate content on social media, there seems to be a small gap between the powers the frontline defenders hold and the action taken.
As online platforms are increasingly becoming hotbeds for hate speech, the spotlight is back on Goa Police amid debate over their role in taking suo-moto cognizance against the hate mongers.
“We certainly have the authority to initiate suo-moto action but it is crucial to ensure balance to avoid accusations of infringing on freedom of speech. Moreover, a case generally holds more weight when it is lodged by the complainant,” a senior police officer said, requesting anonymity. The statement also comes given that certain officers in the past allegedly faced judicial probe for taking action against such activities in absence of complaints.
The officer stated that while most such offences are routed to the Cyber Crime Cell, local police stations also have the authority to respond to these incidents including taking up suo-moto cases.
It has been reliably learnt that the State operates a social media cell tasked with monitoring offensive, dangerous, and hate-filled content. This cell then alerts the Goa Police and related agencies for appropriate action. Unfortunately, this cell overlooked the latest controversy by self-proclaimed activist Shreya Dhargalkar.
The Supreme Court, in 2023, had directed all states and union territories to register cases over hate speech even if no complaint is made, a bid to protect secular credentials of the country. The apex court had even termed hate speech crimes a serious offence.
Meanwhile, within just two years following the COVID-19 pandemic, Goa witnessed a 300 per cent rise in cybercrime. While official data till date is awaited, it is learnt that from 2020 to 2022, 166 cybercrime cases were reported -- 40 in 2020, 36 in 2021, and 90 in 2022.
Subsequently, there was an increase in financial/investment fraud and sextortion cases, surpassing those related to cryptocurrency and activities on the dark web, which were previously more prevalent.
“The cybercriminals are exploiting two main vulnerabilities “ greed and fear “ to trap people,” the officer said, adding that the Cyber Crime Cell is planning to use social media more actively to combat misuse and online fraud.
There’s also a proposal to collaborate with volunteers from the Goa Institute of Management and/or non-profit organizations to create educational content on preventing various types of fraud. Cyber officials will also receive specialized training from experts at the Centre for Cybercrime Investigation Training & Research in Bengaluru to enhance their investigative capabilities.
“There are various challenges faced during such investigations,” the officer acknowledged, adding, “We can assist victims effectively if there is prompt coordination between reporting the fraud to both the bank and the police. There are instances wherein those who lost money to cyber frauds have received at least a part of the amount back.”
The 1930 helpline is also set to undergo transformation with its expansion into a fully-operational control room to simultaneously handle multiple calls at a single time.
