Modi: Do Not Get Digitally Arrested

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged the issue of "digital arrests" during his monthly radio show “Mann Ki Baat” and cautioned people against cyber scams. Referring to the popularity of “Made in India” and “Made by India” animated series such as Chhota Bheem, Hanuman and Krishna, Mr Modi said that a wave of creative energy is sweeping India. He also urged people’s participation in the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

Pointing out the growing cases of "digital arrests" by cyber criminals, the Prime Minister said that there is no such provision in the law. He assured that the probe agencies are working with states to deal with the issue but added that awareness is essential in protecting oneself from cyber crimes. Also, he urged the people to adopt the mantra of "stop, think and take action" when faced with such a scam.

During his broadcast, Mr Modi also shared a conversation between a victim and a fraudster to highlight the cybercrime of digital arrest. Explaining the modus operandi of such fraudsters, he said they collect personal information as their first move. Then, as part of their second move, they create an atmosphere of fear and the third move of such fraudsters is to create the pressure of time.

"As soon as you get a call, stop... Don't panic, stay calm...don't take any hasty steps. Don't give away your personal information to anyone. If possible, take a screenshot and record it... So, the first step is 'stop'. The second step is 'think'... No government agency threatens you on the phone like this, neither enquires nor demands money on a video call like this," he said, adding, "The third step is 'take action'."

The Prime Minister urged the victims to dial the national cyber helpline 1930 and report such incidents on cybercrime.gov.in. He said that the victims of this kind of cyber fraud should let as many people as possible know about it and urged people to use the hashtag "SafeDigitalIndia" for spreading awareness.

Mr Modi also urged schools and colleges to involve students in the campaign against cyber scams.

During the broadcast, the Prime Minister said that the country has decided to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, noting that while Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary celebrations will begin on October 31, Birsa Munda's will start on November 15. He urged people's participation to "infuse life into this campaign".

Mr Modi also informed that with Sardar Patel's birth anniversary on October 31, coinciding with the festival of Deepawali, the "Run For Unity" event this year will be held on October 29. He said both these great souls faced different challenges, but their vision was the same -- unity of the country.

"On the 15th of November last year, I had gone to Ulihatu village in Jharkhand, the birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, on his birth anniversary. This visit had a great impact on me," Mr Modi said, adding that he is the first Prime Minister of the country who has had the privilege of bowing his head in this holy land.

Talking about the popularity of Made in India, Made by Indians animations the world over, Mr Modi said, "You must remember the days when Chhota Bheem started airing on TV. Children can never forget that. There was so much excitement about Chhota Bheem! You will be surprised that today 'Dholakpur ka Dhol' attracts children not only in India but also in other countries."

"Similarly, our other animated serials, such as Krishna, Hanuman, Motu-Patlu etc., also have a fan following all over the world," he said, adding that India is on the way to ushering in a new revolution in the world of animation.

The PM also pointed out that the gaming space of India is also expanding rapidly and Indian games are also gaining popularity all over the world.

"When I met leading gamers of India a few months ago... I got an opportunity to know and understand the amazing creativity and quality of Indian games... In the world of animation, Made in India and Made by Indians can be noticed everywhere,” Mr Modi said.

The Prime Minister stressed that the animation sector has donned the form of an industry that is powering other industries, just as VR tourism is getting famous these days. Today in this sector, along with animators, the demand for storytellers, writers, voice-over experts, musicians, game developers, VR and AR experts is also constantly rising.

"Therefore, I would like to tell the youth of India -- expand your creativity. Who knows, the world's next super hit animation might emerge out of your computer! The next viral game could be your creation! Your innovation in educational animations can achieve great success," he said.