## India Cracks Down on Bomb Threats Plaguing Airlines: New Laws and AI Solutions in Play
The recent wave of bomb threats targeting Indian flights has triggered swift action from the Indian government. A virtual meeting on Wednesday brought together airline officials, social media platforms, and government representatives to address this escalating issue.
Chaired by Joint Secretary Sanket S Bhondve, the meeting saw participation from officials of leading airlines like Air India and Vistara. The focus was on tackling the alarming spread of hoax bomb threats, particularly on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The Union Ministry of Electronics and IT expressed strong criticism of X for facilitating the spread of these threats.
AI-Powered Solutions and New Laws:
The meeting emphasized the need for proactive measures. Social media platforms were urged to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based solutions to identify and block accounts responsible for spreading these threats. The government signaled a zero-tolerance approach, announcing the development of new laws aimed at addressing bomb threats against airlines. These new measures could include adding perpetrators to the no-fly list, a significant deterrent.
Delhi Police Steps Up Investigation:
Meanwhile, Delhi Police has taken proactive steps, registering eight separate FIRs (First Information Reports) in connection with bomb threats to over 90 domestic and international flights in the past eight days. These threats impacted flights operated by Akasa, Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara, all departing from Delhi to various destinations. The police investigation is ongoing, with authorities confirming the threats were initially communicated through anonymous posts on X, which were subsequently suspended.
Significant Disruption and Financial Losses:
The impact of these threats has been substantial. In less than 24 hours, nearly 80 flights faced bomb threats, causing widespread disruption and anxiety among passengers and security agencies. The estimated financial losses incurred by airlines due to these disruptions are reportedly around ₹600 crore, according to former airline officials.
The government’s proactive approach, coupled with the investigation by Delhi Police and the call for social media platforms to implement AI-based solutions, reflects a strong commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and air travel in India. This incident underscores the critical need for robust security measures and collaboration between government agencies, airlines, and social media platforms to combat such threats effectively.