RV University hosts 5th International Conference on Cyber criminology

Bengaluru  : RV University, India’s new-age, tech-driven global university for liberal education, hosted the 5th International Conference of the South Asian Society of Criminology and Victimology (SASCV) on the theme of Cyber criminology. The two-day conference, which was organised in partnership with International Institute of Crime and Security Sciences (IICSS), got off to a flying start here today.

In her Keynote address, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Racism, Dr. K.P. Ashwini emphasized the need for zero tolerance for hate speech, both offline and online. Expressing serious concern over offensive comments based on social identities, she observed that online hate speech has led to increase in violence across the globe. Emphasizing the urgent need to address such crimes, which have accelerated in recent times, she called for strengthening the international law to address it squarely. Stating that criminal justice system is not only about law enforcement system, she said that it must also protect human rights of victims and survivors.

Dr. Ashwini stressed the need to address prejudices and stereotypes based on gender, caste, race and geography. Referring to the increased use of social media by the youth. Dr. Ashwini stressed the need to address discrimination, casteism and islamophobia in cyberspace, which can lead to misogyny, mass shooting, mob lynching and ethnic cleansing. Stressing the need to understand the difference between hate speech and free speech, she called for steps to address online hate speech, which influences and impacts the marginalised adversely.

Quoting a recent research report by Indusface, Dr A.V.S. Murthy, Pro Chancellor, RV University and Hony. Secretary, RSST observed that India has become one of the most attacked and breached countries in the world. He underlined the need to address the inadequacy of the existing data protection bill and the cyber laws in protecting the information and rights of citizens. He said, “Our justice system must address this serious issue. Several sections of our population have been victims of cyber-stalking, cyber-bullying, technology-facilitated sexual violence, and the authorities often neglect the victimization faced by them. There is general lack of awareness when it comes to knowledge of the rights of cyber victims. Some rules and mechanisms exist under the present legal system but these rules do not cover all strands of victim justice and the effectiveness of these mechanisms is questionable.”

The objective of the conference was to bring together experts from various fields to discuss and exchange ideas on the most current and pressing issues in cyber criminology, cyber victimology, cyber law and cyber forensics. The idea was also to address newer issues that emerge as a result of the dynamic nature of cyberspace. The conference mainly focussed on the interconnected nature of cybercrime, laws and regulations, security and forensic techniques, and the impact on victims. Spread over two days, it included 60+ paper presentations covering various topics related to cyber criminology such as trafficking, cyber terrorism, digital foot-printing, transnational crimes, among others.

Dr. K.P. Ashwini, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Racism delivered the Keynote address in the inaugural session while Dr A.V.S. Murthy, Pro Chancellor, RV University and Hony. Secretary, RSST presided over that session. Dr. Michael M Losavio, Department of Criminal Justice, University of Louisville, USA, Dr. K. Jaishankar, General Chair – SASCV 2023, Dr. Jasmeet Gulati, Vice Dean, Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University and Dr. Keerti Bollineni, Vasavya Mahila Mandali delivered the keynote addresses, among others. Vice Chancellor, RV University.

Over 260 academics from across the globe, namely India, USA, UK, Nigeria, Philippines, Malaysia, Kosovo, Italy, Dubai, Bangladesh, and Nepal participated in the conference. 60+ papers will be presented during this 2-day conference in three-parallel sessions organized around four tracks: Cyber Criminology, Cyber Criminology and Cyber Law, Cyber Security and Forensics and Cyber Victimology.

The conference, with renowned academics and accomplished practitioners offered a unique and valuable opportunity to explore in-depth the critical issues related to the holistic theme. In his message to the participants, Professor Y.S.R. Murthy, Vice-Chancellor, RV University, Bengaluru, said, “Although there are legislations in place, they have not been able to match up to the magnitude with which cybercrime is increasing. Therefore, Criminal Justice Institutions must be critically examined as to how well-equipped they are to deal with the growing threat of Security Concerns. Investigative Process and Evidentiary Challenges must be looked into in the context of Cyber Forensics. Victim Assistance needs to be made more accessible, sensitive and personable in the context of Cyber Victimization.”

Dr. K. Jaishankar, General Chair and President – SASCV 2023, Founder / Principal Director / Professor of Criminology & Crime Sciences, IICSS commented, “In this technology-driven era and especially after the Covid-19 Outbreak, everyone has a virtual presence today and this has also created a space for Cyber Crimes and Cyber Victimization. We need to understand the interrelationship between Cyber Criminology, Legislative Framework in relation to Cyber Crimes, Security Measures to counter Cyber Threats, Cyber Forensics and in the end, work towards a better institutional arrangement for effectively delivering Justice to those who are victimized online. The Fifth International Conference of SASCV was a platform to address these issues.”

“SASCV covers the victimization of individuals, groups and organisations that takes place through cyber social networking. It lays emphasis upon the victim-focus- approach, and rethinking and reforming the institutional structures in such a way that justice administration with relation to cyber victimization is not only accessible but effective as well.”, shared Dr. Bhanu Prakash Nunna, Organising Secretary – SASCV 2023 and Assistant Professor (Psychology & Victimology) – RV University.

Nunna further added, “The comparative dimension of such exchanges could have important implications for the advancement of criminological and victimological knowledge both in South Asia and at the global level. It will certainly be an arena for nurturing professional growth and networking for its participants.”

The conference is recognizing the contributions of many participants. An award ceremony was held to felicitate the winners across several categories.