Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a sustained offensive against cyber-enabled crimes such as online fraud, fake resort websites, gambling, and prostitution, cybercrime authorities have blocked 672 digital platforms and 936 mobile numbers over the past nine months.
Official data released by the Superintendent of Police (Cybercrime) reveals that the enforcement actions, conducted under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, targeted a wide range of online content — including deceptive websites, social media accounts, messaging groups, and other digital platforms.
The campaign began in October 2024, when 78 platforms were blocked with support from the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C). While only 22 platforms were blocked in December, the activity picked up in January 2025 with 82 takedowns, followed by 56 in February and 29 in March. April saw a steep drop with just three platforms blocked — the lowest during the period — before peaking in May with 270 takedowns, the highest monthly total to date. Enforcement efforts continued with 84 blocks in June and 48 through mid-July 2025.
The crackdown focused on curbing a wide array of cybercrimes — from fraudulent travel and accommodation websites to online gambling and prostitution networks, and impersonation scams. Authorities acted across multiple platforms, disabling malicious content and accounts operating on Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, YouTube, and WhatsApp.
In addition to platform blocks, law enforcement agencies also deactivated 936 mobile numbers and 134 IMEI numbers that were found to be connected to criminal activities. These measures were aimed at disrupting the communication channels used by cybercriminals.
Police have reiterated their appeal to citizens to stay alert and report any suspicious online activity via the cybercrime helpline or dedicated online portal.
