India, June 26 -- The SC's intervention and PM Modi's recent remarks underscore a stark reality: cybercrime has emerged as a pressing challenge of our times

For years, cybercrime in India was not taken seriously - yet another crime that could be easily dealt with. But the menace has now emerged as a multi-headed hydra that has siphoned off millions of rupees and even forced individuals to lock themselves in their own homes as prisoners - digital arrest and phishing is no longer minor crimes; they can wreck lives and the worst part it is very difficult to nab the culprits. But not anymore, that comfortable distance has collapsed.

The Prime Minister has reviewed digital-arrest scams at a PRAGATI meeting and pushed states to operationalise...