"Controversy surrounding the mysterious entry of the UIDAI number in the contact lists of many smartphone users around the country." - Snehal Vakilna

"Controversy surrounding the mysterious entry of the UIDAI number in the contact lists of many smartphone users around the country."

There is nothing to panic.
UIDAI Aadhaar Card Helpline Number: The body had earlier denied that it forced any smartphone manufacturer or telecom service provider to add the helpline number to the contact list of users

Hours after the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) denied that it forced any smartphone manufacturer or telecom service provider to add a helpline number into people’s contact lists, Google accepted that it had in 2014 inadvertently coded the 112 distress number and the UIDAI number into its setup wizard for Android. This in a way put to end the controversy surrounding the mysterious entry of the UIDAI number in the contact lists of many smartphone users around the country

Google spokesperson said it “would like to assure everyone that this is not a situation of an unauthorised access of their Android devices”.

“Users can manually delete the number  from their devices.”

- 

Snehal Vakilna ( Cyber Crime Lawyer, Investigator, Author, Activist and Expert)

Government May Sue What's App for Abetting Lynchings - Snehal Vakilna

The government has sent a second letter to messaging platform Whatsapp on Thursday asking for "more effective solutions" that can bring in "accountability and facilitate enforcement of law" in the wake of rising incidents of rumours on Whatsapp triggering lynchingincidents in the country.

This comes after the ministry of electronics and IT (MEITY) had sent out a stern warning to WhatsApp earlier this month, asking the Facebook-owned messaging platform to immediately stop the spread of “irresponsible and explosive messages filled with rumours and provocation” on its platform. The messaging platform has responded to the government letter saying that it will use a mix of technology along with new features to identify forwarded messages and work with fact checkers and academia to address the isue.

In a press statement, MEITY said on Thursday, "Whatsapp has been requested today to come out with more effective solutions that can bring in accountability and facilitate enforcement of law in addition to their efforts towards labeling forwards and identifying fake news." It added that it has been conveyed to the company "in unmistakable terms" that it is a very serious issue which deserves a more sensitive response.

"There is a need for bringing in traceability and accountability when a provocative or inflammatory message is detected and a request is made by law enforcement agencies. When rumours and fake news get propagated by mischief mongers, the medium used for such propagation cannot evade responsibility and accountability." It added that if they remain "mute spectators" they are liable to be treated as "abettors" and thereafter face consequent legal action.

At least 31 people have been killed over the last one year in 10 states including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra by crowds mobilised by rumours of spread over WhatsApp. The statement added that subsequently in Bidar a 32 year old software engineer Mohammed Azam was killed and this was preceded by viral circulation of rumours on Whatsapp about child lifters. "It is regretted that the enormity of the challenge and the rampant abuse happening in the country leading to repeated commissioning of crimes pursuant to rampant circulation of irresponsible messages in large volumes on their platform have not been addressed adequately by Whatsapp."

5 latest Updates for WhatsApp - Snehal Vakilna

Recently, At Facebook’s annual developers conference F8, the company announced that WhatsApp will soon get some new features. These include some of the Facebookfor Business app. WhatsApp has also responded to latest European General Data Protection Regulation(GDPR) law by letting users know what personal data it collects from users. Some of the important updates:

(1)WhatsApp group video calling:

WhatsApp group video calling has reached select users on Android and iOS and is expected to be available to general public soon. This feature can be seen during a one-to-one video calling on WhatsApp. During the call, a small icon is visible on the top right corner of the screen from where users can add more people in the particular call.

(2)Request account info report:

Through this feature, users can create a report of their WhatsApp account information and settings, which can be accessed or ported to another app. This report, however, doesn’t include personal messages. Once you open the report you will find your information such as your phone number, previous IP connection, device type, device manufacturer, profile picture, all your contacts’ numbers, groups names that you are part of and the contacts you have blocked.

(3) Restrict group feature

WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a "Restrict Group" feature for its iOS, Android and Windows Phone apps. This feature will only allow WhatsApp group admins to send messages in the group. While all group members will be able to see these messages, only admins will be allowed to respond to these texts. Other group members can only read them. The ‘Restrict Group’ feature will also prevent non-admin participants from sending photographs, videos, GIFs, documents or voice messages if the group admin or admins doesn’t allow them.

(4)Share Facebook posts to WhatsApp

Facebook is reportedly testing a new feature for mobile app which could enable Facebook’s content to be shared on WhatsApp. While there is no official confirmation from Facebook or WhatsApp on the same, several beta users claimed to have received this feature on their Facebook app.
So, how will this feature work? Once you tap on the ‘Share’ button on the Facebook app, you will be given three options- ‘Share Now’, ‘Write Post’ and ‘Send in WhatsApp’. If you opt for a particular content on Facebook like an image or video to be ‘Send in WhatsApp’, you just need to select this option from the ‘Share’ menu and a link will be generated. This link can be shared to any WhatsApp contact.

(5) Chat filters

For the Android business app, WhatsApp will reportedly add ‘Chat filters’ that will help admins of WhatsApp Business accounts search messages quickly. The ‘Chat filters’ options will group users in unread chats, groups and broadcast categories. The admin will just have to tap on the search bar to access these filters. This is very similar to the ‘action button’ on Instagram which helps businesses to bring chats of priority customers directly to the inbox. Still What's App is not the platform for confidential information sharing.

- Snehal Vakilna

" How to check everything that WhatsApp knows about you " - Snehal Vakilna

Talking about What's App, popular instant messaging app, this application stores  information about its billions of users globally, which you can now download thanks to the European Union’s (EU) new data privacy rules which come into effect on May 25. EU’s new privacy law, known as European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), allows users to download their data and transfer it.

AGENCIES1. Open WhatsApp

Directions :

1.Open What's App

2. Go to Settings
3. Tap on Account
4. Tap on Request account info
5. Tap Request report

The screen will update to Request sent. WhatsApp asks you to wait for the report for 3 days but users generally receive it in a couple of hours itself. You must note that while your report request is pending, certain account actions will cancel your request such as deleting your account, changing your number or device or re-registering your account. However, if this request is cancelled, you can request another report.

Once your report is available, you'll receive a WhatsApp notification on your phone stating: “Your account info report is ready to download.” Also, now the Request account info screen will tell you how much time you have to download the report (approximately a few weeks) before it's deleted from their servers.

Here is how you can download the report:
1. Go to WhatsApp
2. Open Settings
3. Tap on Account
4. Request account info
5. Download report

After this, a ZIP file will be downloaded to your phone. This ZIP file includes an HTML file that is easy to view, and a JSON file that could be ported to another app. Notably, this downloaded file will not open in WhatsApp and you will have to export it to any other app via email.

Once you open the report you will find your information such as your phone number, previous IP connection, device type, device manufacturer, profile picture, all your contacts’ numbers, groups names that you are part of and the contacts you have blocked.

Thankfully, the information that WhatsApp stores about you is not as scary as the information its parent company Facebook has but it is always better to be aware about what information you are sharing as a user with the app you are using. Make sure your information travels safely in digital world.

Cyber Stalking: Women and Children Helpline number

In India, stalking – physical or electronic via phone calls, text messages, or emails — is a criminal offence.

Sec. 354D. Of IPC
Stalking.--
(1) Any man who --
(i) follows a woman and contacts, or attempts to contact such woman to foster personal interaction repeatedly despite a clear indication of disinterest by such woman; or
(ii) monitors the use by a woman of the internet, email or any other form of electronic communication,
commits the offence of stalking: Provided that such conduct shal not amount to stalking  if the man who pursues it proves that---
{1} it was pursued for the purpose of preventing or detecting crime and the man accused of stalking has been entrusted with the responsibility of prevention and detection of crime by the State; or
{2} it was pursued under any law to comply with any condition or requirement imposed by any person under the law; or
{3} in the particular circumstances such conduct was reasonable and justified.

(2)Whoevers commits the offence of stalking shall be punished on first conviction with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine; and be punished on a second or subsequent conviction, with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Classification of Offence
(1) Stalking -- Imprisonment upto three years and with fine for first conviction -- Cognizable -- Bailable -- Any Magistrate
(2) Stalking -- Imprisonment upto five years and with fine for second or subsequent conviction -- Cognizable -- Non-bailable -- Any Magistrate

Along with the above as per the facts

It shall also be punishable under various other sections of IPC, ITAct as well as other related Acts.

1091 / 1090 - Women's Help line number ( Gujarat Police ).

181 - “Abhayam” (24*7 helpline)

For Stalking as well as crime against Women and Children:

Helpline (All India) 1091 / 1090

National Commission for Women (NCW) 0111-23219750

Delhi
Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) 011 23378044/ 23378317/ 23370597
Outer Delhi Helpline 011-27034873, 27034874
Women in Distress 1091
Police Control Room 100
Child Helpline 1098
Anti Stalking/Obscene calls 1096
Child,Student & Senior Citizen 1291
DCP SN Mosobi, North East Special Unit 9818099070
IGP - Robin Hibu, Nodal Officer for Northeasterners (Watsapp no) - 9810083486

Andhra PradeshHyderabad/Secunderabad - Women Police Station 040-27853508
Hyderabad Women Police Station 04027852400 / 4852
BangaloreWomen's Police Helpline Bangalore (Vanitha Sahayavani) 08022943225

Bangalore Traffic Police 080-22868444/22868550
ChandigarhWomen Police Exchange 1722741900
HaryanaWomen and Child Helpline 0124-2335100

Himachal PradeshWomen Commission 9816066421, 09418636326, 09816882491, 9418384215

MumbaiRailway Police 9833331111
Mumbai Police Helpline 100, 103
Navi Mumbai Police Station 0222758 0255

PunjabWomen's Helpline 9781101091
Tamil NaduWomen's Helpline 044-28592750

Women Police Station, Adayar 044-24415732, 044-23452586

TripuraWomen's Helpline Numbers 0381-2323355, 03812322912

RajasthanNirbhaya Sambhali Helpline 1800-1200020
Women Police Station Jodhpur 0291 -2012112

KarnatakaWomen Police Helpline 0821-2418400

Mysore Women Police Station 0821-2418110 / 2418410

KeralaVanitha Helpline Number of Kerala Police, Trivandrum 9995399953 State Vanitha Cell 0471-2338100

Women's Cell, Kollam 0474-2742376 Women's Cell, Kochi 0484-2396730
Disclaimer - This list is being updated. For any more information on additional helpline numbers, please mail :
snehalvakilnain@gmail.com
#SnehalVakilna
#VakilnaSnehal
#FirstCyberLawyerOfSurat
#WarForce
#SnehasavArts
#CyberWarrior
#FightAgainstCyberCrimes
#CyberStalking

Re-Birth of Cambridge Analytica

We All are Aware about the famous #CambridgeAnalyticaScandal
The company formerly known as Cambridge Analytica shocked the media today when it announced an immediate shutdown and liquidation of its business.
That "shutdown," however, may be short-lived as official documents indicate those behind the
controversial analytics company will be launching as a new firm with a less-toxic brand.
The surprise announcement came on Wednesday evening, when the UK-based Cambridge Anal., and its parent organization SCL Elections, stated it would enter insolvency proceedings and disband immediately.
The announcement came after Cambridge Anal. found itself at the center of a political firestorm when a former staffer blew the whistle on a data-harvesting campaign that had covertly collected the personal information on more than 87 million Facebook users.
These records were used to target particular voters with ads and social media posts in hope of influencing their decisions at the ballot box. Whether or not these persuasion tactics actually worked is up for debate, but an attempt was at least made with info sneakily swiped from people's profiles via a quiz app. The biz denies any wrongdoing.
"Over the past several months, Cambridge Analytica has been the subject of numerous unfounded accusations and, despite the company’s efforts to correct the record, has been vilified for activities that are not only legal, but also widely accepted as a standard component of online advertising in both the political and commercial arenas," the biz said in its blame-shifting sign-off.
"Despite Cambridge Analytica’s unwavering confidence that its employees have acted ethically and lawfully, which view is now fully supported by [Queen's Counsel Julian] Malins’
report , the siege of media coverage has driven away virtually all of the Company’s customers and suppliers."
The organization said it will honor all employee severance, notice, and redundancy obligations as the lights go out. It added:
The company is immediately ceasing all operations and the boards have applied to appoint insolvency practitioners Crowe Clark Whitehill LLP to act as the independent administrator for Cambridge Analytica.
Additionally, parallel bankruptcy proceedings will soon be commenced on behalf of Cambridge Analytica LLC and certain of the company’s US affiliates in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
#SnehalVakilna
#FirstCyberLawyerOfSurat
#WarForce
#SnehasavArts
#CyberWarrior
#FightAgainstCyberCrimes
#Cybercrimes
#Cyberlawconsultant
#CyberSecurity
#CyberForensic

Online Cyber Crime Reporting to be Launched Soon

Web Portal for Online Cyber-crime Reporting to be Launched by April End: Govt to Supreme Court

In Past December, the Court had asked the Centre to set up a cell within the Central Bureau of Investigation or the MHA to report and take down such videos and messages, besides directing Google, Yahoo, Facebook, WhatsApp and Microsoft to immediately act in removing such videos when reported.

Web portal for online cyber-crime reporting is set to be launched for public in the last week of April. The beta version of the portal, which will be the first of its kind in India, shall be launched by the Central government under the supervision of the Supreme Court. The portal will enable people to register complaints of online abuse and other cyber-crimes on a real-time basis.

A beta version release is the penultimate step before the final version of a software is out. A beta version contains all the core functionalities of the final version and is released to fix the bugs and to revamp it for maximum usability. The online cyber-crime reporting software is being developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the orders of the Supreme Court after the Court noticed an alarming spurt in cyber-crimes, in particular those relating to circulation of videos of rape, gang rape and child pornography.

In December, the Court had asked the Centre to set up a cell within the Central Bureau of Investigation or the MHA to report and take down such videos and messages, besides directing Google, Yahoo, Facebook, WhatsApp and Microsoft to immediately act in removing such videos when reported.

The proceedings in this PIL, which was registered suo motu by the Court in 2015 after NGO Prajwala highlighted the availability of child porn and rape videos online, take place in-camera. During the hearing on Monday, the bench also pressed for the need to put in place a Central Reporting Mechanism, as has been done in other countries particularly in the United States. The bench expressed its displeasure over the "scattered" submission made by the ASG in this regard and called for a "comprehensive and detailed status report" from the MHA.

"It would, of course, be in the interest of all concerned if the Central Reporting Mechanism is set up," noted the bench while taking note of the fact that not just MHA but various other ministries, including Women and Child Development, Electronics, Information and Technology, will be interested in taking corrective steps in so far as cyber-crimes are concerned. The bench will take up the case next on May 11.

#SnehalVakilna

Internet And Mobile phones

Soon, use broadband to call landline, mobile numbers

• Soon you'll be able to latch on to your home or office wi-fi broadband to make calls to mobile phones as well as landlines
• Telecom operators, and other companies who obtain a telephony licence, will be able to offer you a new mobile number that will not require a SIM
• Gujarat : If  Stuck in a bad signal area, or getting the dreaded sign that there is no mobile network at all? Soon you'll be able to latch on to your home or office wi-fi broadband to make calls to mobile phones as well as landlines, with the government on Tuesday approving a proposal to allow internet telephony in the country.

Telecom operators, and other companies who obtain a telephony licence, will be able to offer you a new mobile number that will not require a SIM, but can be activated by downloading an internet telephony app. Regulator Trai had recommended the proposal last October, with the aim of giving new connectivity options to consumers plagued by call drops.

The inter-ministerial Telecom Commission approved the proposal, which will now enable the rollout of internet telephony services by companies such as Reliance Jio, BSNL, Airtel and other operators. Arvind Kumar, advisor at Trai, said the measure would benefit consumers by offering new connectivity choices. “This will give more options to consumers, especially in areas where quality of service is an issue. These include places such as buildings and even homes where conventional telecom signals are weak while wi-fi availability is strong"

- Snehal Vakilna

Being What's App Admin is now a full time job

Now it's not easy to avoid
Liability as Admin for What's App
Group

WhatsApp has introduced a new Group Settings feature, which contains the ability to select which group participants will be able to edit group info - all participants, or group admins. The new WhatsApp feature is currently available for Android beta users only, but according to a report, it will be rolling out to all users across Android, iPhone, and Windows Phone platforms. This WhatsApp feature will allow group admins to exercise more control over the groups they manage.

According to WABetaInfo, a popular fan site that tests new WhatsApp features early, you need to have the WhatsApp for Android beta version 2.18.132 in order to see the feature. Referred to as a Restricted Group feature, group administrators will be able to find it by navigating to Group info > Group settings > Edit group info. Here, users will be able to choose who can change the group's subject, icon, and description - with two choices 1) All participants or 2) Only admins. The new Group settings section is also where administrators can assign new group admins.

"All participants can normally edit the group description, icon and subject, but finally the administrator can restrict this feature today, preventing no-administrators to modify the group description," the website said.

To recall, the Group Description feature debuted on Android and Windows Phone back in February. It is also available on iPhone. However, both the iPhone and Windows Phone platforms currently have no option to restrict any user from editing the group description, icon, or subject. As we mentioned, however, WABetaInfo claims the feature is currently rolling out to iPhone and Windows Phone users as well, though none of the iPhone units we have had yet received the functionality.

The report adds that several other group features are expected to make their way to WhatsApp soon. In testing since November, and disabled by default, are other Restricted Group features - including the ability to block all participants from being able to Send messages - including group text messages, images, videos, GIFs, documents, voice messages - or even starting a new live location session. Administrators will be able to choose whether all participants or only admins have access to these features. A participant will be able to request the admin for the ability to post, using the Message admin button.

- Snehal Vakilna ( Advocate) ( First Cyber Crime Lawyer of Surat) ( Mcom LLB with Sp in Cyber laws and Cyber Crime Investigation)