The Indian government is considering expanding the Sahyog portal's functionality to enable law enforcement agencies to request user data from electronic service providers, including social media intermediaries.
The proposed enhancement aims to streamline data requisitions between law enforcement and service providers, addressing critical bureaucratic bottlenecks that hinder cybercrime investigations.
According to a parliamentary committee report, the Sahyog portal, developed by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), is used by authorised government agencies to send notices to intermediaries under Section 79 of the IT Act.
The move aims to minimise procedural delays and expedite lawful data access for investigating and prosecution of cybercrime cases, particularly those involving violence against women and children.
Government data shows that 16,484 online links, illegal content, apps, and websites have been taken down through the Sahyog portal since its launch in October 2024.
The proposed move comes as the government looks to expand issuance of takedown orders under Section 69A of the IT Act beyond just the IT ministry.
The parliamentary panel also recommended mandatory KYC for dating apps, gaming apps, and social media to curb fake profiles, impersonation, and anonymous harassment.
