Context: This editorial is based on the news “Chinese boy ‘cyber kidnapped’ in Utah found safe: What is cyber kidnapping, how to protect yourself” which was published in the Indian Express. This article is highlighting the emerging challenge of ‘cyber kidnapping’. Recently, a Chinese student faced the threat of ‘cyber kidnapping’. By the time the police traced him, his parents back in China had paid $80,000 in ransom.

What is Cyber Kidnapping?

• Definition: It refers to a crime where the ‘kidnappers’ convince their victims to hide, and then contact their loved ones for ransom. The kidnappers monitor victims online through video-call platforms.
  • The victims are also made to send pictures that make it look like they are being held captive, which are then shared with their family and make them realize that their loved ones will be harmed if they do not do as the kidnappers ask.
• An Extortion Scheme: It tricks victims into paying a ransom to free a loved one they believe is being threatened with violence or death.
• Statistics: While there is no clear data yet on how many such crimes occur each year, law enforcement experts say they are on the rise.
• Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Experts believe that with the rise of AI, such crimes can rise, as scammers can send people voice notes that sound exactly like a loved one in distress.

How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Kidnapping? – Suggestions by Experts

• Being extra careful with calls from unknown numbers.
• Careful while sharing data on social media as scammers can use that data for cyber kidnapping.
• Need to to verify the location of your loved ones before making payments, and to approach the police.

The Path Ahead: To Curb Cyber Kidnapping

With the advancement of technologies, associated threats are also advancing, which needs to be tackled at every level wherever possible like to tackle cyber kidnapping:

• Action at Individual and Community Level: Families can come up with phrases or code words that perpetrators would not be aware of.
  • People should be aware of how their personal information is public and remain vigilant.
• Action at Organization Level: Law enforcement agencies and telecommunications companies must take stringent measures against such calls and messages.