Global Action Needed to Address Airlines Hoax Calls

Hoax calls pose a serious threat to aviation security. Over the last few weeks, India has witnessed dozens of such hoax calls. These calls appear to originate from anti-India Khalistan elements who are operating from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. These threats are conveyed through various channels, including direct messages, emails, and social platforms, including X and Meta, and are orchestrated using platforms headquartered in the U.S. yet easily accessible worldwide. The spread and accessibility of these digital platforms have compounded the challenge of tracing and addressing these threats effectively.

Social media platforms, including X and Meta, must extend cooperation with countries like India in curbing posts such as hoax threats, promoting radicalisation in the name of religion, and luring individuals into risky investments like cryptocurrency. These platforms are rife with fake accounts, which must be systematically identified and eliminated. Additionally, strict verification processes should be implemented, ensuring only authenticated accounts can participate actively.

While countries like the U.S. and Canada already enforce robust regulations against harmful content, similar rules must be extended to India and other nations to prevent double standards. Failing to do so amounts to a tacit endorsement of digital anarchy in emerging economies, with platforms becoming breeding grounds for misinformation and societal disruption. If cooperation remains insufficient, India may be compelled to consider severe restrictions on these platforms, following the precedent set by countries like China, Russia, and Brazil, which have limited or banned access to certain social networks to protect public order and security."

Today, India finds itself increasingly targeted by hoax calls threatening its airlines, a form of disruption that could soon extend to other nations, including those considered technologically advanced. To ensure aviation security and prevent such threats globally, it is essential for every country to actively participate in and support comprehensive measures aimed at curbing this practice. In the unfortunate event of a disaster resulting from such a hoax, citizens from multiple nations would be impacted, underscoring the need for a unified, international approach to address this serious security risk.

Airports and airlines worldwide implement stringent measures to maximise aircraft security, leaving little room for unusual incidents. Despite these precautions, flights are still being diverted and grounded for additional security checks in response to potential threats. These diversions come at a high cost, not only resulting in financial losses amounting to millions of dollars but also consuming the valuable time of passengers. Such interruptions highlight the ongoing challenges in balancing robust security protocols with efficiency and passenger convenience.

Let’s hope that the owners of social media platforms exercise sound judgement and take decisive action against individuals engaging in these harmful pranks.

(The author is a former DGP of Maharashtra. Views personal.)