Secure messaging apps challenge to anti-radicalisation efforts: Centre
The government on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that the use of secure messaging applications by radical elements was posing a huge challenge to anti-radicalisation efforts.
Answering a question asked by Congress MP Rajeev Shukla, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said, “The use of more secure messaging application like Signal, Telegram, Viber and dark web apart from WhatsApp with end-to-end encryption by radical elements to connect with other like-minded elements has proved to be a major challenge for security agencies in its efforts to counter radicalised individuals online.”
He said as the extensive use of cyber technology is the main tool for propagating radical ideology, cyber space is being monitored ceaselessly.
“Cyber patrolling is done on a regular basis to identify and monitor such content and entities which are targeting gullible/depressed/alienated youth. Websites/accounts involved in communal and anti-India propaganda affecting sovereignty and integrity of India are being identified and sent to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
(MeitY) for taking action,” he said.
At present, Rai said, the police and NIA are investigating 67 cases relating to online radicalisation. In these cases, 325 accused have been arrested, 336 accused have been chargesheeted and 63 have been convicted so far.
During 2024, MeitY issued directions for blocking of 9,845 URLs (which also include radical content) till October 2024.
Under the law, MeitY issues directions under Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, which empowers the government to block information from public access under specific conditions — the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order and preventing incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence relating to above after following the due process as provided in the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguard for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.
