digital arrest

WhatsApp's measures to curb digital arrest scams

WhatsApp Bans 9,400 Accounts in AI Crackdown on Digital Arrest Scams in India

WhatsApp has deployed AI-driven systems to detect and remove accounts impersonating law enforcement agencies, banning 9,400 accounts over 12 weeks beginning January 2026. The platform is working with Indian authorities to tackle digital arrest scams, which have caused losses exceeding Rs 22,845 crore in 2024. While authorities prevented Rs 7,647 crore from reaching cybercriminals between April 2021 and November 2025, only 2.18% of stolen funds has been recovered.

CJI Surya Kant Surprised Educated People Continue Falling for Digital Arrest Scams

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed surprise that despite public warnings, educated people continue falling victim to digital arrest scams. The Supreme Court heard that a former senior official of Chandigarh was robbed of Rs 2.5 crore through such scams. Police have arrested seven persons for keeping a 70-year-old former chief architect of Chandigarh under digital arrest from May 3 to 30 last year. The inter-departmental task force needs three more weeks to formulate a robust mechanism.