SIM Blocking In 2–3 Hours, WhatsApp Data Retention, Biometric SIM Checks: Centre Files Cybercrime Status Report In Supreme Court

The report by Attorney General R. Venkataramani placed in continuation of earlier compliance filings, records the outcome of the 3rd Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) meeting held on 12 March 2026 and the coordinated action taken by key stakeholders including the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), MeitY, RBI, WhatsApp, and law enforcement agencies.

A key highlight of the report is the push for real-time SIM issuance monitoring through a Biometric Identity Verification System (BIVS), which is proposed to be implemented nationwide within nine months. The DoT has also been urged to explore mechanisms for blocking suspicious SIM cards within 2–3 hours, subject to safeguards.

On telecom regulation, the report details stricter accountability for Point of Sale (PoS) vendors, AI-based fraud detection systems, and enhanced data sharing between telecom operators and law enforcement agencies.

WhatsApp, during the IDC deliberations, has committed to multiple safeguards, including:

-implementation of SIM binding mechanisms

-retention of deleted account data for 180 days

-systems to detect and block fraudulent device IDs

-AI-based detection of impersonation of law enforcement agencies

-measures to curb digital arrest scam calls and malicious content circulation

The report also highlights that CBI has registered and taken over investigation of high-value digital arrest fraud cases exceeding ₹10 crore, including cases from Delhi and Gujarat, following Supreme Court directions.

On financial safeguards, the RBI has finalised a SOP on temporary debit holds in suspicious transactions, while discussions are underway on introducing a victim compensation framework, including shared liability between banks, telecom operators, and intermediaries.

The status report further notes that MeitY is developing a dedicated complaints portal under the IT Act, 2000, and examining potential intermediary liability for cyber frauds under Sections 43 and 46.

In February, the Ministry of Home Affairs had filed a status report before Supreme Court of India stating that it has constituted a high-level Inter-Departmental Committee to comprehensively examine all facets of the issue of “Digital Arrest”. It said that the Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of the Special Secretary (Internal Security), Ministry of Home Affairs, with representation at the level and above of Joint Secretary officers from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Law & Justice (MoLJ), Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MoCA), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Delhi Police, and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), with the CEO, I4C acting as Member-Secretary.

As per the report submitted by MHA, the Committee has been mandated, inter alia, to examine real-time issues faced by enforcement agencies, consider the recommendations of the Amicus Curiae appointed by Supreme Court along with the directions issued by the Supreme Court, and to identify relevant legislations, rules, circulars and implementation gaps, suggest corrective measures, and provide inputs for further directions, as may be required by the Court. The Committee has, notably, been directed to meet at regular intervals to ensure time-bound and coordinated compliance.

The Committee was formed post Supreme Court's order flagging the urgent need for coordinated institutional safeguards to curb the rising menace of “digital arrest” scams, stressing immediate preventive mechanisms and victim-centric recovery frameworks.

Earlier, Court had issued interim directions to strengthen the hands of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in investigation of digital arrest scams. "CBI shall have a free hand to investigate the role of bankers under the provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act wherever they are found involved in opening of mule accounts used in cyber crime cases", the Court had said.

On October 17, 2025 the Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the alarming surge in ‘digital arrest’ scams. While taking note of the complaint, the Court had observed that the case discloses a pattern of organised cybercrime targeting senior citizens. Between September 1 and 16, multiple victims were contacted through WhatsApp and video calls, shown forged Supreme Court orders, and threatened with arrest under fabricated proceedings. The victims, under duress, transferred about Rs.1.5 crore through multiple transactions. Calling for stern and coordinated action at the national level, the Court issued notice to the Union of India (through the MHA Secretary), the CBI Director, the State of Haryana, and the Cyber Crime Department, Ambala.

Case Title: In Re: Victims of Digital Arrest Related to Forged Documents

Bench: CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi