MISUSE OF DIGITAL IDENTITY
UPI sees Diwali boom; AI cracks Captcha
Diwali spending fuelled a surge in UPI transactions, with both payment volumes and values rising. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Aadhaar App: 300 organisations adopt offline verification system; users can verify identity without photocopies
In a significant move, UIDAI has rolled out its offline verification service to incorporate 300 organizations spanning diverse sectors like hospitality, healthcare, education, and consumer services. This initiative enables users to validate their identities through the Aadhaar App, which boasts upgraded security features. Consequently, the requirement for physical Aadhaar cards during transactions is eliminated, showcasing the increasing importance of Aadhaar in routine transactions, extending well beyond governmental functionality.
ETtech Explainer: Why SIM-binding is a concern for consumers and businesses
A new study raises alarms about the Department of Telecommunications' proposed SIM-binding requirement for messaging applications. The mandate could severely disrupt operations for consumers and businesses alike, especially impacting international travelers who depend on local SIMs or Wi-Fi. Businesses are bracing for heightened costs and difficulties tied to limited device accessibility.
Who guards India’s digital gatekeepers?
India has built effective digital systems that facilitate money transfer and identity verification across its diverse population. However, there are ongoing challenges regarding accountability and transparency in government digital platforms. Many argue that mechanisms like competition law may not be suitable for all government services.
Social media norms, AI, deepfakes, chips among others on review list of parliamentary panel in 2026-27
The development comes as several incidents of age-inappropriate content, circulation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and alleged censorship on social media have been reported widely.
Australia expands biometric collection requirements for visa applicants in India
From October 26 Australia will require biometrics from new visa applicants in India. This includes providing fingerprints and a facial image for identification purposes. Applicants will be notified via email if they need to comply with these requirements. Biometrics will enhance the security and efficiency of the visa application process, aligning Australia with international practices.
- Go To Page 1
What eMudhra security incident means for anyone who shops, banks or pays online
The eMudhra security incident raised concerns that cybercriminals could potentially use weak private keys to create fake website certificates and impersonate legitimate platforms. Here’s how such an attack could put users’ personal and payment details at risk, and what is known about the incident so far.
Special team to probe eMudhra incident; impact on Indian websites, applications very limited: Govt
The ministry said the reported security incident pertains to eMudhra’s global certificate business, and its impact on Indian websites is very limited.It also said some social media accounts were indulging in fear-mongering about the impact.
6,000 sailors stranded near Strait of Hormuz as UN maritime chief warns against passage amid rising ship attacks and US-Iran tensions
Thousands of seafarers remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating maritime attacks and risks. The International Maritime Organization has warned against navigating the area without safety guarantees. Approximately 6,000 sailors are reportedly trapped as conflicts continue to disrupt commercial shipping. Concerns have also arisen over the misuse of emergency radio channels by military forces, complicating maritime safety.
Delhi Police prevents potential losses of Rs 1.53 crore in five 'digital arrest' scams
Delhi Police successfully intervened to stop significant financial losses from digital arrest scams in various states. The Financial Monitoring Cell traced suspicious transactions and contacted victims to prevent further payments. Several elderly people were targeted, with some initially transferring large sums of money out of fear. Intervention efforts included counseling and assisting victims in filing complaints with local cybercrime helplines.
Inside Google's Gemini safety strategy: Protecting children, verifying age and tackling AI misinformation
To tackle rising child safety concerns linked with AI, Google is taking proactive steps as children engage with chatbots. The focus is on ensuring age-appropriate interactions, encouraging parental oversight, and promoting responsible AI use. The upcoming Gemini platform will feature age assurance technology to evaluate users' ages based on their behavior.
AI cloning opens new monetisation route for celebrities, creators
Artificial intelligence is transforming the monetization landscape for film stars, cricketers, and digital creators. Licensing AI-generated versions of their identities allows celebrities to earn revenue without physical presence. Platforms like Studio Blo and Sparkonomy enable protection and control over digital identities for creators. The growing concern over unauthorized use of identities emphasizes the need for standard licensing and verifiable consent.
Delhi man filing ITR found ₹79 crore unidentified income linked to PAN: Tax details show a Mumbai firm was using his credentials. Know what you should do in this situation
A Delhi resident found that his PAN and identity information were used to register a fraudulent business. The GST registration, linked to a Mumbai address, reported outward supplies of around ₹79.4 crore. He claimed he never authorized anyone to use his details or conducted any business activities. Following this revelation, the Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police registered an FIR for further investigation.
Railway passengers will see stricter checks from October 1, train ticket verifications to intensify; pass holders, concessions, quotas and PTO users must carry original ID
Railways train checking drive from October 1: Central Railway will run a month long ticket checking drive from October 1 to October 31, 2026, targeting concession tickets, reserved quota tickets and various railway passes. Passengers on shared tickets must carry valid ID, and E-Pass or PTO holders must carry original ID along with a properly converted travel authority, failing which they risk being treated as ticketless and fined.
Spinny books IPO ride; UPI subsidies may end
Spinny has confidentially filed for its initial public offering. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
BRICS adopts New Delhi Declaration: Inside the 140-point document on Global South's ambitions
BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th summit, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation, multilateralism and a more representative global order. The document outlines India's 2026 chairship priorities, recognises partner countries' contributions and calls for greater participation of Emerging Markets, Developing Countries and Least Developed Countries in global governance.
AI helps terror groups target women, children with propaganda, UN report warns
Terrorist groups now use artificial intelligence for personalised propaganda targeting youth. Generative AI allows faster creation and localisation of content for specific audiences. Children and young people are increasingly exposed to extremist messages online. Social media and gaming platforms serve as entry points for radicalisation efforts.
Social media companies are trying harder to know which users are kids
Determining which accounts belong to children is the linchpin of child safety measures that other companies, including Google, TikTok, and Roblox, are ramping up as public and regulatory sentiment turns against them in the US and other countries.
Delhi HC orders takedown of obscene content, unauthorised merchandise featuring Khushi Kapoor
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the removal of allegedly obscene and pornographic content concerning actor Khushi Kapoor from social media platforms, while also ordering the takedown of content linked to the unauthorised sale of merchandise using her personality attributes.
Raghav Chadha moves Delhi High Court against AI-generated deepfakes
Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has approached the Delhi High Court. He seeks protection for his personality rights. This is against the misuse of artificial intelligence and digitally manipulated content. The court will hear the matter soon. Chadha wants to stop the creation and spread of AI-generated deepfakes and fake speeches.
A loan you never took; How PAN fraud is wrecking credit scores in India and what you should do to protect yourself
Indians are facing a new threat: PAN-based loan fraud. Criminals are using stolen PAN details to take out loans without consent. This is damaging credit scores and causing immense stress. Victims must act fast by reporting to lenders, police, and credit bureaus. Prevention through secure data sharing is key to safeguarding financial identity.
An AIdentity crisis
AI is making it really easy to clone and tweak anyone’s likeness. ET explains how this is turning identity into a valued intellectual property and what can be done to safeguard it.
Hritik Roshan receives protection in personality rights case after Delhi HC orders removal of certain social media posts
Actor Hrithik Roshan has filed a suit in the Delhi High Court seeking protection for his name, image, and voice against unauthorized commercial use. This follows similar pleas from other celebrities, including Kumar Sanu, highlighting growing concerns over personality rights and online misuse, especially with the rise of AI.
Hrithik, Aishwarya, Akshay, Amitabh: Why Bollywood stars are approaching courts across the country
Bollywood stars like Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Akshay Kumar are increasingly seeking court protection for their identity and personality rights. This trend arises from the unauthorized use of their names, voices, and likeness in AI-generated content, fake endorsements, and online promotions, highlighting growing concerns over digital misuse in the entertainment industry.
Aligarh sanitation worker, earning a meager Rs 15,000, gets I-T notice to pay Rs 34 crore — and he’s not the only one
Several low-wage earners in Aligarh have received massive income tax notices due to identity theft involving stolen Aadhaar and PAN card details. Cases like Karan Kumar's Rs 33.88 crore demand reveal large-scale fraud, prompting investigations and concerns about the security of digital identification systems.
Delhi HC orders Meta, WhatsApp, NPCI and banks to restrict accounts misusing Razorpay’s identity
The Delhi High Court has directed social media platforms to remove accounts misusing Razorpay's trademark for fraudulent activities. Banks are instructed to freeze accounts used by fraudsters. Razorpay obtained a John Doe order to prevent unauthorized use of its trademark and protect customers against scams. Legal action taken against fake recruiters on WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram to maintain brand trust.
How can decentralized identity help internet users safeguard their digital assets?
Digital identity is essentially any personal online data that represents the real you. A decentralized digital identity is a digital identity that is managed without the involvement of a third party. Instead, a user controls their own identity and only provides information that is required to be verified.
Election Commission toys with idea of digital voter ID card
Asked whether the digital voter identity card would mean that a voter can carry it on his or her mobile phone using an application, the official said once the EC takes a decision, such details will be settled.
If Amazon asks you for your Aadhaar details, here's what you need to say
Clearly, UIDAI suspects if your Aadhaar number lands with a third party it can be misused. Can one be sure online cos can protect your Aadhaar identity?
Load More
