Government today said cases of internet fraud involving ATM debit and credit cards have seen a decline over the last three years but the amount peddled in such transactions has increased.
"According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the number of fraud cases as reported by banks on account of ATM debit cards/credit cards/internet have decreased from 15,018 in the calendar year 2010 to 8,322 in the calendar year 2012," Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal told the Lok Sabha during Question Hour.
However, the amount involved had increased from Rs 4048.94 lakh in 2010 to Rs 5266.95 lakhs in 2012, he said.
As per the cyber crime data maintained by National Crime Records Bureau, a total of 420, 966 and 1791 cyber crime case were registered under the Information Technology Act during 2009, 2010, 2011 respectively, thereby showing an increasing trend, he said.
Sibal informed the House that the government has formed Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) to keep a watchful eye on all cyber activities and in case of a threat of a cyber attack it informs those likely to be targeted.
He said government is keeping a watch on sectors like aviation, banking and transportation.
In reply to a question on the recent controversy over use of Section 66A against a person in Maharashtra, Sibal conceded that police personnel do not have sufficient knowledge about cyber laws.
"If we object to certain postings we will violate freedom of expression. This government is fully committed to ensuring freedom of expression. The Maharashtra Chief Minister himself took action on this case in his state," Sibal said.
