Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 11 February 2026 announced a new, comprehensive real-time cybercrime reporting framework aimed at bolstering India’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond swiftly to online fraud and cyber-enabled crimes. The announcement was made at the National Conference on Tackling Cyber-Enabled Frauds and Dismantling the Ecosystem in New Delhi, organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Shah said that cybersecurity has become a critical component of national security, particularly as India’s digital economy and online financial activity expand rapidly. He emphasised that the evolving threat landscape — including sophisticated fraud networks and cyber syndicates — demands real-time reporting, inter-agency coordination and stronger institutional mechanisms to protect citizens and digital infrastructure.
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Why a Real-Time Reporting Framework Matters
Under the new strategy, the government plans to develop and deploy a real-time cybercrime incident reporting system that integrates all relevant stakeholders — from law enforcement and regulators to banks and fintech firms — to ensure faster detection, tracing and response to cyber attacks and frauds.
Shah outlined six foundational pillars of the initiative:
- Real-time reporting of cyber incidents
- Expansion of forensic laboratory networks
- Capacity building of law enforcement agencies
- Research and development in cyber technologies
- Promotion of public cyber awareness and hygiene
- Integrated inter-agency coordination
He said agencies such as the CBI, National Investigation Agency (NIA), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), state police forces and other investigative bodies will be aligned under this coordinated framework for more cohesive action.
Significant Recovery and Reporting Statistics
During his address, Shah shared key statistics highlighting the scale of the cybercrime challenge and India’s expanding response:
- 82 lakh cybercrime complaints were received across national portals up to 30 November 2025.
- Of these, 1.84 lakh cases were converted into FIRs and many have been resolved.
- The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) — a central platform for reporting and coordination — has been credited with saving or freezing over ₹8,000 crore of the nearly ₹20,000 crore estimated to have been lost to cyber frauds.
Shah said the increasing number of cybercrime reports reflects not only rising digital adoption but greater public awareness and better reporting mechanisms, which help law enforcement act promptly when fraud occurs.
Coordinated Action with Financial Sector and Law Enforcement
The Home Minister noted that 62 banks and financial institutions have already been connected to the secure cyber framework, enabling institutions to share fraud and threat data in near real-time. The next objective is to onboard all cooperative banks by 31 December 2026, closing gaps that could be exploited by criminals to launder funds or evade detection.
Shah also highlighted the role of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and its digital cooperation platform, I-Force, in enabling real-time information sharing and coordinated response among central and state agencies. Strengthening this digital architecture, he said, is essential to trace fraudulent transactions, freeze illicit funds quickly, and preserve forensic evidence for prosecution.
Beyond Enforcement: Public Awareness and Prevention
While emphasising institutional measures, Shah also called for greater public participation in cyber safety, urging citizens to maintain good cyber hygiene — such as vigilance against phishing scams, suspicious links and impersonation calls — and to use reporting channels like the 1930 cyber helpline promptly when they encounter suspicious activity.
He noted that a robust cyber posture requires not only responsive policing but preventive awareness and behavioural vigilance among users navigating India’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.
Broader Cybersecurity Push in India
The announcement of the real-time reporting framework comes as part of a broader shift from reactive investigations to proactive, technology-driven strategies in India’s fight against cybercrime. It aligns with recent initiatives such as the launch of the CBI’s dedicated Cybercrime Branch and advanced coordination dashboards aimed at dismantling organised cyber fraud networks and enhancing national resilience.
Shah’s roadmap reflects a comprehensive national effort to institutionalise cybercrime responses, deepen forensic and intelligence capabilities, and foster collaboration across government, financial institutions and private sector partners — signalling India’s intent to stay ahead of evolving digital threats.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
