Misuse of ‘Cyber Crime Volunteer Programme'

‘Police’ and ‘Public Order are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. States/UTs are primarily responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of crimes through their Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). The LEAs take legal action as per provisions of law against the offenders. The challenges of cyberspace are many which flow from its vastness and borderless character. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) in New Delhi to provide a framework and eco-system for LEAs to deal with cybercrimes in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.

Cyber Crime Volunteer Framework has been rolled out as a part of cyber hygiene promotion to bring together citizens to contribute to the fight against cybercrime in the country and assist State/UT LEAs in their endeavour to curb cybercrimes. The volunteers will be registered and their services utilized by the respective State/UT Police Agencies, as per their requirements. Cyber Volunteers will be registered, following the due process and they will be required to furnish ID proof, address proof, photograph etc. They will assist State/UT LEAs for cyber hygiene promotion, as technical experts, and for reporting of content that is unlawful as per provisions of law. The content reported shall be verified and validated by the State/UT LEAs for taking appropriate action as per the existing provisions of law. There is no discretion in the hands of a cyber volunteer.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G. Kishan Reddy in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.