The government has condemned social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for its inadequate response to a series of hoax bomb threats that have impacted over 150 flights recently. In the past eight days, fake threats have caused significant disruption and security concerns for various airlines, including Akasa, Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara, operating from Delhi to multiple destinations.
A virtual meeting chaired by Joint Secretary Sanket S. Bhondve was held on Tuesday evening to address the issue, with airline officials and representatives from X and Meta participating. The government criticized X for allegedly “abetting the crime,” noting that Delhi Police have faced challenges in obtaining user IDs or domain information for accounts involved in posting these threats.
In response, cybersecurity agencies have suspended or blocked approximately 10 social media accounts, primarily on X, since Monday. Authorities have identified common phrases used in these hoaxes, such as “bombs” and “blood will spread everywhere,” and are working to trace the email registrations and locations of the accounts responsible.
The Mumbai Police have detained a 17-year-old boy from Chhattisgarh in connection with hoax bomb threats aimed at three flights departing from Mumbai on October 14.
Government’s Measures Amid Rising Threats
The government has assured that law enforcement agencies are actively investigating all bomb threat cases against airlines and are closely monitoring the situation. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu stated that the government is taking the matter seriously and is focused on preventing future incidents.
Proposed legislative actions include placing perpetrators on a no-fly list and amending The Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act (SUASCA), 1982. These amendments would allow for arrests and investigations without a court order for offenses occurring while an aircraft is on the ground. Additionally, changes are being planned to enhance security rules for aircraft, ensuring stricter penalties for those making bomb threats.
