NEW DELHI, Feb 27: Government today said cases of internet fraud involving ATM debit and credit cards have seen a decline over the last three years but the amount peddled in such transactions has increased.
“According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the number of fraud cases as reported by banks on account of ATM debit cards/credit cards/internet have decreased from 15,018 in the calendar year 2010 to 8,322 in the calendar year 2012,” Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal told the Lok Sabha during Question Hour.
However, the amount involved had increased from Rs 4048.94 lakh in 2010 to Rs 5266.95 lakhs in 2012, he said.
As per the cyber crime data maintained by National Crime Records Bureau, a total of 420, 966 and 1791 cyber crime case were registered under the Information Technology Act during 2009, 2010, 2011 respectively, thereby showing an increasing trend, he said.
Sibal informed the House that the government has formed Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) to keep a watchful eye on all cyber activities and in case of a threat of a cyber attack it informs those likely to be targeted.
He said government is keeping a watch on sectors like aviation, banking and transportation.
In reply to a question on the recent controversy over use of Section 66A against a person in Maharashtra, Sibal conceded that police personnel do not have sufficient knowledge about cyber laws.
“If we object to certain postings we will violate freedom of expression. This government is fully committed to ensuring freedom of expression. The Maharashtra Chief Minister himself took action on this case in his state,” Sibal said.
Sibal informed the House that Rs 300 crore has already been spent on protecting websites against hacking and the government plans to spend more on this.
“This is a work in progress. Protective measures are being taken and protection is needed by private businesses as well,” he said.
Sanjay Jaiswal (BJP) said he has received several fake messages on his official mobile and his official website announcing that he has “won” crores.
“Uptil now I have received messages of having won money which would add up to Rs 50 crore,” he said, wondering if the government is keeping a keen eye on cyber crime especially, how such messages are still being sent.
Sibal maintained that such messages are being sent from abroad, leading to an uproar with members contesting this.
“We have no information that these organisations are within the country. They are outside,” Sibal said.
He promised to act promptly on any complaint he receives from members.
Cine actor-turned MP Jayaprada said celebrities are being targeted on Facebook. “Fake Facebook accounts are created and nude pictures are posted on them. There is no provision to delete them. Is the government trying to find the links to those who create these accounts. This is not freedom of expression,” she said.
Agreeing with her, Sibal said important people are being defamed on the internet. “Many condemnable things appear not only against people but organisations and religions. We should oppose it in one voice,” he said. (PTI)
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