Why India’s Digital Drive Should Not Neglect Elderly Citizens, Disabled People And Children
India has made tremendous strides in embracing digital transformation and digitalisation, seamlessly integrating technology into daily life at an unprecedented pace. However, this rapid advancement has led to a concerning oversight – the exclusion of marginalised and vulnerable sections of society from the digital fold.
The assumption that technology works seamlessly and that the public is well-versed in its use has led to a lack of consideration for those who are not tech-savvy or have restricted access to technology. This includes many older people who did not grow up in a digital world, as well as some women who face patriarchal norms limiting their access to cell phones, making it difficult for them to participate in the digital world.
Additionally, people with disabilities and those who cannot read continue to struggle with administrative functions of everyday life, despite the emergence of a supposedly paperless world. The law acknowledges these challenges, as evident in the Rights of Persons With Disabilities Act, 2016, which aims to ensure access to information and communication technology by people with disabilities.
However, in practice, this has not consistently led to the development of websites that are accessible to people with disabilities. Moreover, when people do manage to access the digital world, they often face significant challenges due to technological failures. Furthermore, many problems are caused by scammers and individuals acting in bad faith, who exploit vulnerable groups through non-consensual explicit content online or conning them into believing they are being subject to cybercrime.
The issue of cyber fraud is no longer a domestic concern but has become part of a larger transnational cybercrime network. Cyber fraud networks target victims across the globe, including India, using fake investment schemes, cryptocurrency scams, and online gambling frauds. The anonymity provided by the Internet and the decentralised nature of digital financial systems enable criminals to move money across borders without detection.
This is why senior citizens and financially vulnerable individuals often lose their entire life savings with no real recourse for recovery. Without urgent intervention, India will continue to remain a prime target for cybercriminals operating from beyond its borders.
Three Critical Issues:
The current state of affairs highlights three critical issues: Firstly, digital fraud is not localized but part of an international criminal ecosystem. Secondly, online anonymity and the ease of digital transactions enable criminals to move money across borders without detection. Thirdly, existing financial and legal frameworks are insufficient to combat the scale of cyber fraud.
The solution lies not in developing more regulations but on implementing a focused plan to close loopholes in both legal and technological systems. Government agencies, financial institutions, and tech companies must collaborate to ensure stronger grievance redressal systems, better safeguards for vulnerable sections of the public, robust cybercrime prevention mechanisms, and accountability from tech corporations.
A New Approach is Needed:
Technological progress should not be halted but our legal systems must evolve to accommodate the changes it has wrought. A safe and secure Internet is now an essential part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The digital divide cannot come at the cost of an entire generation’s financial security and peace of mind; no one should suffer due to the rapid advancement of technology.
In our race towards a digital future, we must not lose sight of the vulnerable sections of society who struggle to keep pace with technology and face serious consequences. It is time for India to take a proactive stance in addressing cyber fraud and ensuring that its digital drive is inclusive and secure for all citizens.