In recent news, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has disclosed alarming statistics regarding cybercrime incidents associated with social media and online platforms in India. According to the data shared by the MHA in Lok Sabha, there has been a substantial surge in such incidents over the past five years, underscoring the escalating challenges concerning digital safety in the country.
The figures paint a stark picture of the rising trend of cybercrimes, with the total number of incidents skyrocketing from 56,283 in 2020 to an alarming 1,56,938 in 2024. The exponential increase in cyber-related crimes is a cause for concern and has raised awareness about the urgent need to bolster cybersecurity measures to protect individuals and organizations from malicious online activities.
The data further reveals a detailed breakdown of the escalating cybercrimes reported on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) over the years. In 2020, there were 56,283 incidents recorded, which surged to 72,301 cases in 2021, marking a significant jump of 28.5 percent. The trend witnessed a steeper increase in 2022, with 1,31,634 reported incidents, reflecting an 82.1 percent rise. In 2023, the number of reported cases stood at 1,41,264, and last year, it reached a staggering 1,56,938, with an 11.1 percent increase.
Of particular concern is the exponential rise in social media-related crimes, which have nearly tripled between 2020 and 2024. Instances of Fake/Impersonating Profiles surged from 12,310 cases in 2020 to a staggering 39,846 in 2024, indicating a 224 percent increase. Similarly, Profile Hacking and Identity Theft cases escalated from 10,419 in 2020 to 38,295 in 2024, marking a 267 percent growth. Additionally, Cyber Bullying, Stalking, and Sexting cases witnessed a more than threefold increase, rising from 11,641 in 2020 to 39,077 in 2024. The statistics highlight the pervasive nature of cyber-related crimes and the need for stringent preventive measures to curb such illicit activities.
To address the escalating threat of cybercrimes, the government has taken proactive steps to enhance law enforcement capabilities through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). The I4C, equipped with AI-driven tracking and monitoring of cybercrimes, aims to combat the surge in illicit online activities effectively. Furthermore, the government has initiated digital literacy programs and awareness campaigns to educate the public on safe online practices and mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats.
In conclusion, the data presented by the MHA underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard individuals and organizations from the growing menace of cybercrimes. As technology continues to advance, it is imperative for authorities to stay ahead of cybercriminals and implement proactive strategies to mitigate the risks posed by malicious online activities.