CYBER SLAVERY 

2. About ‘Cyber Slavery’

"Cyber slavery" refers to the exploitation and control of individuals or groups through digital means. This can involve various forms of coercion, manipulation, or force facilitated by technology, often for economic gain, power, or personal gratification. Cyber slavery can take different forms, including but not limited to

• The use of the internet and digital platforms to recruit, advertise, and exploit individuals for forced labour or sexual exploitation.
• Online Exploitation includes situations where individuals are coerced or manipulated into performing certain actions online, such as producing and distributing explicit content, engaging in fraudulent activities, or participating in cybercrime networks.
• Cyber slavery may involve exploiting individuals by threatening them with exposure to sensitive information, blackmail, or other forms of online coercion.
• Some individuals may be forced into digital labour, such as repetitive tasks, content creation, or online scams, often without fair compensation or under conditions of coercion.

3. Reasons for Indians being trapped in Cambodia

Reports indicate a significant number of Indians, estimates ranging up to 5,000, are trapped in Cambodia under forced cyber fraud schemes. 

• They are lured by fake job advertisements promising high-paying data entry positions.
• False Promises These scams target people looking for work, especially those from Southern India.
• Once in Cambodia, their passports or travel documents are taken away, restricting their movement.
• They are then pressured or coerced into committing cybercrimes like scamming people in India over the internet.

4. The steps taken by the Government of India

The Government of India has taken multiple steps to address the issue of Indians trapped in Cambodia through cyber scams.

• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) works closely with the Indian embassy in Cambodia to identify and rescue victims. This involves coordinating with Cambodian authorities and local NGOs. 
• Southern Indian states like Tamil Nadu have special departments like the Commissionerate of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils, which work with the MEA to rescue their citizens and provide them with reintegration support upon return.
• There are efforts to raise awareness about fake job scams, particularly targeting vulnerable populations seeking employment.
• The situation likely involves cooperation between the MEA, Ministry of Home Affairs, and law enforcement agencies to dismantle these criminal networks.

5. The Need for Cyber Security

Cybersecurity is essential in today's world for a variety of reasons. 

• Our personal information, financial data, and even intellectual property are increasingly stored online. Strong cybersecurity safeguards this information from being stolen by hackers and cybercriminals.
• Cyberattacks can disrupt critical infrastructure and services, causing financial losses and chaos. Cybersecurity helps prevent these attacks and keeps things running smoothly.
• In a world obsessed with online sharing, cybersecurity protects our privacy by preventing unauthorized access to our personal data and communications.
• Cybersecurity is vital for businesses of all sizes. Data breaches can damage a company's reputation, lead to financial penalties, and erode customer trust. Strong cybersecurity helps businesses avoid these costly pitfalls.
• We all rely on the Internet for banking, communication, and even healthcare. Cybersecurity protects us from online scams, phishing attacks, and malware that can steal our personal information or damage our devices.

6. Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI)

The Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) is an important tool for understanding a country's commitment to cybersecurity. It's an initiative of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations that focuses on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). It acts as a trusted reference point, measuring a nation's cybersecurity efforts on a global scale. The goal is to raise awareness of the importance of cybersecurity and its various aspects.

1. 1. Laws and regulations in place to address cybercrime and promote cybersecurity practices.
   2. Technical infrastructure and tools a country has to prevent cyberattacks and protect its networks.
   3. The government's commitment to cybersecurity through dedicated agencies and policies.
   4. Programs to educate and train the workforce on cybersecurity best practices.
   5. A country's willingness to collaborate with other nations and international organizations on cybersecurity issues.

7. The difference between cyber slavery and cyber fraud