SC asks Union Gov to consider defining digital arrest in criminal law, declaring it standalone offence

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that the Union Government may consider formally defining digital arrest in criminal law and declaring it as a standalone offence with harsher punishments.

Digital arrest is a growing form of cybercrime in which fraudsters pose as law-enforcement officers, court officials or personnel from government agencies to intimidate victims through audio and video calls. They hold the victims hostage and put pressure on them to pay money.