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To combat the misuse of police identities in digital arrest frauds, the state government has allocated Rs 4 crore for the procurement of digital ID cards for 51,308 police personnel and other city police staffers.

Home department sources stated that currently, police personnel carry physical ID cards, which can be easily replicated. They also highlighted the rise in cybercrimes through the misuse of police ID cards, including digital arrest cases. The new smart ID system will incorporate advanced security features, including QR codes and holographic elements, making them virtually impossible to replicate, according to a government resolution.

Citizens receiving video calls from purported police personnel, a tactic often used by cyber fraudsters, can verify their credentials by asking them to reveal their digital ID and cross-checking it on a free app to be developed by Mumbai police. Each digital ID card will contain the police personnel’s key details, along with a photograph, and the app will provide immediate verification results, displaying an officer’s current status and authentication details.

The digital ID cards will be mandatory for all police personnel while on duty, whether in uniform or plain clothes, especially during investigations, house visits, or interactions with the public, sources said. The tender process for selecting the technology provider will prioritize companies with experience in secure identification systems, and police will need to ensure the selected vendor complies with data protection standards, officials stated.

The successful implementation of this technology in Mumbai will serve as a model for expansion to other cities and districts across the state, according to the government.

However, cybersecurity expert and lawyer Prashant Mali expressed doubts about the new system’s effectiveness in reining in cyber fraudsters, citing two concerns: the victim’s state of mind during the verification process and the time it would take to create awareness about digital IDs. He also noted that fraudsters can create fake websites with police personnel’s data.

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