HUMAN COST OF CYBERCRIMES

HUMAN COST OF CYBERCRIMES

Status of Policing in India Report 2026

Cybercrimes have become inescapable. In one way or another, they have affected us, our friends or our relatives. These ghostly crimes have not only stolen our data, emptied our bank accounts, or tarnished reputations, but they have also shattered our sense of safety and security in cyberspace. What makes our fight particularly daunting is that its shadowy ecosystem transcends cities, jurisdictions, and countries.

A good way to begin the fight against this menace is to understand the modus operandi of cybercriminals, the nature of our vulnerabilities and the state of our preparedness. The latest Status of Policing in India Report (SPIR 2026) tries to do exactly that. Its title “Cybercrime – Victim Perspectives and Systemic Responses” is self-explanatory. For this research-based study, we have defined cybercrimes as crimes or illegal actions committed in the cyber sphere, using a networked device. It was launched on September 24, 2026, at the India International Centre, New Delhi.

Soft copies can be downloaded from our website, commoncause.in

As is the practice, we have dedicated this issue of your journal to its findings and recommendations. SPIR 2026 is based on all-India surveys, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with domain experts around the following types of cybercrimes: (a) where someone impersonates you or illegally breaks into your devices, (b) when someone is manipulated psychologically through “social engineering” or is arrested digitally, and (c) when someone is targeted for trolling, cyberbullying, or online sexual abuse.

We surveyed over 8000 citizens in 16 states of India, including victims and those who assisted them. The qualitative analysis is based on interviews with victims and experts. The surveys cover the lower, middle and higher-income localities in selected urban and rural areas. The study focused on the nature and experiences of victims across offences such as online fraud, digital arrests, trolling, bullying, identity theft, and online sexual harassment.

The SPIR 2026 tries to show how we are targeted, our weaknesses and lived experiences, and how the authorities—the police and the banking system— respond when we need them most. We have tried to include incidents of abuse and cyberstalking of women and targeting of senior citizens. We understand that the ever-changing nature of cybercrime makes it an under-researched topic. The SPIR 2026 tries to fill that gap.

Many of our esteemed members and well-wishers attended the SPIR launch event. But for the benefit of those who could not be with us, we have presented here a summary of the chapters and their key findings. We have also presented excerpts of the speeches and an interactive panel discussion at the event. The topic was “Cybercrimes: Victims, Responses, Accountability.” The illustrious panel comprised Retired IPS officer and cybersecurity expert, Mr Sanjay Sahay; gender specialist and social researcher, Dr Ranjana Kumari; CEO and co-founder of DeepStrat, Mr Saikat Datta; and digital rights activist and founder of Medianama, Mr Nikhil Pahwa.

The SPIR 2026 showed that police are particularly harsh and unhelpful to victims from poor and underprivileged backgrounds. We should be mindful that digital manipulations are also being used to polarise our world and weaponise our anxieties. UN human rights reports warn that malicious use of digital tech is undermining free speech and electoral integrity. We hope to take up some of these issues in the future.

Your feedback, comments or suggestions are welcome at contact@commoncause.in

Vipul Mudgal
Editor