The central government has intensified its efforts to tackle the issue of hoax bomb threats targeting domestic and international airlines, with particular focus on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). In light of recent events, where over 95 flights received bomb threats in a span of just eight days, officials have voiced concerns about X's inadequate cooperation in sharing critical information needed for investigations. These hoax threats have caused widespread panic and led to significant disruptions in air travel, as security protocols had to be heightened and flights delayed or grounded.
During a high-level virtual meeting chaired by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the government expressed its disappointment with X’s handling of the situation. The meeting, which included officials from major airlines such as Akasa Air, Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara, along with representatives from social media platforms X and Meta, was aimed at discussing solutions to the recurring security threats. The Centre strongly criticized X for failing to provide the Delhi Police with the details of the suspicious accounts allegedly involved in issuing the bomb threats. The government remarked that X's lack of action was akin to "abetting crime," as it hindered the ability of law enforcement to track down the perpetrators swiftly.
The Delhi Police had identified three key X accounts—@adamlanza111, @psychotichuman, and @schizobomer777—that were used to post anonymous bomb threats targeting various flights. According to the authorities, these accounts were suspected to have been created using virtual private networks (VPNs) or through the dark web, making it difficult to trace the actual locations or identities of the users. Despite these challenges, the police have registered eight cases and are continuing their investigation into the threat messages, which had been issued to flights bound for both domestic and international destinations from Delhi.
One of the earliest cases was recorded on October 16, when an Akasa Air flight headed to Bengaluru received a bomb threat via X. Since then, multiple airlines have reported similar threats, including Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara, leading to heightened security measures at airports. The impact on passengers has been significant, as flights were delayed or rerouted, creating a state of unease and confusion among travelers. The sheer frequency of these hoax threats has prompted the authorities to take decisive action.
The Centre is now exploring a range of legislative measures aimed at deterring such activities in the future. Among the potential solutions being considered is the introduction of stricter penalties for individuals who issue hoax threats, including placing them on a no-fly list. This would effectively bar them from boarding any domestic or international flights, serving as a strong deterrent against such malicious behavior. In addition, the government is contemplating amendments that would make it easier for law enforcement agencies to obtain necessary information from social media platforms during investigations, particularly in cases involving national security.
The issue of stiffer penalties for hoax bomb threats is gaining urgency as the aviation industry grapples with the logistical challenges of responding to these threats. Not only do they disrupt flight schedules, but they also place a considerable strain on airport security personnel, who must treat every threat as legitimate until proven otherwise. The ripple effect on passengers, airlines, and the broader travel industry has made it clear that more needs to be done to prevent such incidents.
The Centre’s sharp rebuke of X underscores the growing frustration among government officials regarding the role of social media platforms in facilitating or failing to prevent criminal activities. In this case, X's lack of transparency and cooperation in providing the necessary data to track down the users responsible for the bomb threats has further fueled concerns about the platform's accountability. The Ministry has emphasized that, going forward, platforms like X and Meta must be more proactive in addressing such serious security concerns.
In light of these developments, the central government is expected to fast-track new regulations that would compel social media platforms to cooperate more fully with law enforcement agencies, especially in cases where public safety is at risk. These measures are part of a broader push to enhance cybersecurity and prevent the misuse of digital platforms for illegal activities.
As the investigation continues, both the public and the aviation industry remain on high alert, with authorities urging passengers to stay calm while ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken. The government’s planned legislative actions will likely set the stage for stricter monitoring and enforcement against those who seek to disrupt air travel through hoax threats, providing much-needed reassurance to travelers and airlines alike. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the government continues its efforts to resolve the security crisis and hold accountable those responsible for these threats.
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