India, Aug. 7 -- The Government of India has issued a release:

The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, chaired by Dr. Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, M.P., Rajya Sabha, presented the following Reports in the Parliament today, i.e., 7th August, 2026 :-

The Committee had considered the draft reports and adopted the same in its meeting held on 5th August, 2026. The Recommendations/Observations made by the Committee in these Reports are enclosed.

The Reports, as presented to Parliament, are available on the Rajya Sabha Website at: https://sansad.in/rs/committees/departmentally-related-standing-committees-> Home Affairs-> Report.

RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS - AT A GLANCE

Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on HOME AFFAIRS

259th Report on 'Action Taken by Government on the Recommendations/Observations contained in the Two Hundred Fifty Fourth Report of the Committee on Cyber Crime - Ramifications, Protection and Prevention'.

The Committee notes the Ministry's reply regarding the grievance-redressal obligations of intermediaries under Rules 3(2) and 3A of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, including the prescribed timelines for disposal of complaints and the establishment of the Grievance Appellate Committees. However, the Committee observes that the reply does not adequately address its specific recommendations relating to the adoption of a uniform complaint-filing format, public disclosure of grievance statistics and integration of the grievance-redressal mechanism with the emerging data-protection framework. The Committee, therefore, reiterates that the Ministry should develop a standardised, accessible and multilingual grievance-redressal system across intermediaries, with unique complaint numbers, tracking facilities, defined timelines, reasoned disposal and automatic escalation of unresolved complaints. It further recommends periodic publication of anonymised grievance data and formulation of a time-bound plan to harmonise the mechanism with applicable data-protection requirements, along with an effective monitoring framework.

(Para 3.1.8)

The Committee has noted the reply furnished by the Ministry. While appreciating the measures taken under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, the Committee observes that the existing framework continues to rely largely on self-regulation by OTT platforms. The Committee, therefore, reiterates its recommendation that the Government may expeditiously examine the feasibility of establishing an independent Post Release Review Panel comprising experts from the fields of child development, education, law, social sciences and civil society to review flagged content and recommend appropriate corrective measures. The Committee further recommends that the proposed comprehensive statutory framework for regulating OTT content should incorporate robust technology-enabled age verification mechanisms, effective parental controls, and suitable penalties for non-compliance. The Committee would like to be apprised of the progress made in this regard.

(Para 3.2.9)

The Committee notes that the mechanism for regulation of online advertisements is presently under formulation. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Ministry, while finalising the policy, duly incorporate robust verification requirements for offshore advertisers, including digital document verification, live identity authentication and continuous monitoring based on zero-trust principles, so as to prevent fraudulent and deceptive advertisements targeting Indian users. The Committee also desires to be apprised of the action taken in this regard.

(Para 3.3.2)

The Committee appreciates the progress made in expanding MuleHunter.ai to additional banks. The Committee, however, reiterates that steps be taken to operationalise and fully leverage the upcoming Central Payment Fraud Information Registry and it be developed as a comprehensive, real-time and interoperable fraud-data repository accessible to banks and other relevant stakeholders for sector-wide analysis, coordinated action and early identification of emerging fraud threats.

(Para 3.4.2)

The Committee has noted the reply furnished by the Ministry. While appreciating the efforts made by the Central Bureau of Investigation in seeking the consent of State Governments for investigation of cybercrime cases and taking note of the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in this regard, the Committee observes that the issue of withdrawal of general consent by certain States continues to impede seamless and time-bound investigation of cybercrimes having inter-State and transnational ramifications. The Committee, therefore, reiterates its recommendation that the Ministry of Home Affairs should actively engage with the concerned State Governments to evolve a durable mechanism for facilitating CBI investigations in cybercrime cases. The Committee further recommends that the Ministry may examine the feasibility of suitably amending the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, to enable the CBI to effectively investigate cybercrime cases of national and inter-State significance.

(Para 3.5.9)

The Committee has noted the reply furnished by the Ministry. While appreciating the implementation of the e-FIR system in a number of States/UTs and the ongoing efforts to extend the facility to other States, the Committee is of the view that a uniform and seamless mechanism for automatic conversion of complaints received through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) into e-FIRs is essential for ensuring prompt investigation and facilitating timely recovery and refund of defrauded amounts to victims. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), formulate a time-bound roadmap for nationwide implementation of the e-FIR system in coordination with all States and Union Territories.

(Para 3.6.4)

The Committee notes that the Ministry's reply outlining the various initiatives for higher education institutions and reiterates its recommended integration of cybercrime prevention and cyber hygiene education in schools. The Committee recommends that the concerned Ministry, in coordination with NCERT, CBSE and State education authorities, should develop and implement an age-appropriate, graded and mandatory cyber-safety curriculum from the early grades to the senior secondary level across all Central and State Boards. The Committee further recommends corresponding teacher-training modules, multilingual learning material, practical instruction on reporting cybercrime and online abuse, and a time-bound monitoring mechanism to ensure uniform implementation in all schools.

(Para 3.7.33)

The Committee notes the Ministry's stakeholder-engagement efforts and appreciates that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is continuously engaging with stakeholders to strengthen the legal framework governing cybercrime. However, the Committee observes that a formal and periodic review mechanism, as was recommended would be beneficial. The Committee, therefore, reiterates that the Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with MeitY, the Ministry of Law and Justice and relevant regulators, should establish a time-bound, multidisciplinary mechanism to periodically review and update the cybercrime legal framework in light of emerging technologies, evolving threats and their implications for national security and citizens' rights.

(Para 3.8.2)

The Committee notes that the Ministry has outlined the existing statutory framework governing cybercrime; however, the Committee reiterates the need for comprehensive and unified cybercrime legislation with clear definitions, technology-neutral provisions and effective penalties for emerging offences. The Committee further recommends the establishment of a specialised Integrated Cybercrime Task Force with nationwide jurisdiction, technical expertise and inter-agency coordination to investigate complex and transnational cybercrimes.

(Para 3.9.3)

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