PM Modi In Odisha Raises Alarm Over Cybercrime, Deepfakes; Urges Top Cops To Harness 'Double AI Power'

The prime minister called on the police leadership to transform the challenge into an opportunity by harnessing India's double AI power of artificial intelligence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday raised concern about the potential threats posed by digital frauds, cybercrimes, and AI technology, particularly deepfake technology, which he warned could disrupt social and familial relations.

Speaking at the conclusion of the 59th All India Conference of Director Generals and Inspector Generals of Police, Modi emphasised the need to leverage technology to ease the workload of police personnel and advocated for making police stations the central hub for resource allocation.

According to an official statement released by PIB, the conference included discussions on border security issues along Bangladesh and Myanmar, challenges in urban policing, and strategies to counter malicious narratives. Key topics addressed also included national security threats such as terrorism, leftwing extremism, cybercrime, economic security, immigration, coastal security, and narco-trafficking.

Modi expressed satisfaction with the strategies developed during the deliberations, which covered both national and international security dimensions. The prime minister called on the police leadership to transform the challenge into an opportunity by harnessing India's double AI power of artificial intelligence and Aspirational India as a countermeasure to the potential threats generated by digital frauds, cybercrimes, and AI technology.

In appreciation of the significant steps taken in urban policing, PM Modi came up with the suggestion for collating and implementing each initiative entirely in 100 cities. He launched the expansion of the mantra of SMART policing and called on the police to become strategic, adaptable, meticulous, reliable, and transparent.

The idea of SMART policing was introduced by PM Modi at the 2014 conference in Guwahati. This builds on the original SMART framework, which aimed to make police Strict and Sensitive, Modern and Mobile, Alert and Accountable, Reliable and Responsive, Tech-savvy and Trained.

The conference also reviewed the implementation of newly enacted criminal laws, best policing practices, and regional security developments. Highlighting the role of innovation, Modi praised the success of hackathons in solving key issues and suggested organising a national police hackathon to encourage creative problem-solving.

Additionally, the prime minister stressed the importance of enhancing port security and called for devising a comprehensive future action plan for the same.

PM Modi Called On To Align With Vision Of Viksit Bharat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in shaping the Union Home Ministry and urged the security establishment of the country from the ministry to local police stations to honour the 150th birth anniversary of Patel by the next year. He also encouraged them to set and achieve goals aimed at enhancing police professionalism, image, and capabilities.

Modi called on the police force to modernise and align itself with the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) while laying out a roadmap for future reforms.

The three-day conference saw the participation of around 250 senior officers of the rank of Director General and Inspector General of Police attending in person, with over 750 others joining virtually. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were also present.

Since 2014, the prime minister has taken an active role in the annual conference, fostering open discussions during informal meals and sessions. These exchanges allow senior officers to share recommendations on critical policing and internal security issues directly with Modi.

Traditionally held in New Delhi, the conference was moved outside the capital in 2014 under Modi’s leadership to bring fresh perspectives and regional participation. Past venues have included Guwahati (2014), Dhordo in the Rann of Kutch (2015), Hyderabad (2016), Tekanpur (2017), Kevadiya (2018), Pune (2019), Lucknow (2021), Pusa in Delhi (2023), and Jaipur (January 2024). This year, it was held in Bhubaneswar.

The scope of the conference has expanded significantly since 2014, shifting from a primary focus on national security to addressing broader issues such as crime prevention, community policing, law and order, and improving public perception of the police.

Officials noted that the move to organise the event outside Delhi has fostered a sense of unity among officers across various cadres and organisations. The shared accommodations and extended interactions have strengthened collaboration and cohesion.

Direct engagement between the prime minister and senior police leadership has also resulted in actionable recommendations and a unified approach to tackling national security and policing challenges.