India to criminalise digital arrest scams and AI deepfakes

The Indian government is preparing to introduce new legislation that would establish digital arrest scams and AI-generated deepfakes as distinct criminal offences, a move announced to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that a draft bill is expected to be presented during the ongoing Parliament session, aiming to provide clear legal definitions and specific punishments for these rapidly evolving forms of cybercrime.

The court's observations prompted the government's action. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, noted that while courts have taken a strict stance-including denying bail in such cases-existing laws do not specifically define "digital arrest" as an offence. The bench suggested the government formally define the crime, which involves elements of extortion, cheating, and organized crime, and consider creating a standalone offence with stringent penalties, including provisions to freeze the assets of accused individuals.

Digital arrest scams typically involve fraudsters impersonating law enforcement or government officials via phone or video calls. Victims are...