26th June 2025: The Software Freedom Law Center, India (SFLC.in) has raised alarms over a newly identified digital gap in Gujarat, revealed by the Central Government’s “Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom, 2025.” Despite the State being widely reputed as tech-forward, the survey revealed that only 16% of people aged 15 and above in Gujarat know how to report cybercrime through the official portal gujaratcybercrime.org.
According to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) data, the state’s mobile subscriber base stood at 6.49 crore in December 2024. This indicated over 90 percent of the State population owns a smartphone, and the penetration is particularly high among those under 30. This is significantly higher than the national average of 85.5 percent[1]. Despite such widespread access, Gujarat’s cybercrime reporting awareness is remarkably low.
Notably, while 78% of women in Gujarat own mobile phones, SFLC.in notes that a significant proportion do not enjoy full autonomy over device usage. In many cases, usage is monitored or restricted by family members thereby undermining their ability to report or respond to cyber threats effectively.
This figure places Gujarat 24th among Indian states and Union Territories, trailing the national average of 17.7%, and behind peer states. Gujarat’s awareness rate of 16% places it below the national average, despite its reputation as a digitally forward state. There is a need for better outreach and public education, and not just infrastructure rollouts.
In statement, SFLC.in said that, “The data is clear. cybercriminals are deliberately targeting the elderly and women, exploiting their tendency to be more trusting of unsolicited calls and messages. Therefore, it is essential that the government’s anti-cybercrime strategies focus specifically on empowering these groups to recognize, avoid, and report fraudulent activity. While general awareness campaigns are valuable, they must be supplemented with targeted training that equips citizens with the practical knowledge and confidence to report these crimes effectively.”
While 21% of people aged 15–29 in Gujarat can effectively report online crimes, that capability plunges among older age groups. Unfortunately, older adults under-report cybercrime, despite being more likely than younger people to experience repeat victimisation, financial loss and more severe emotional consequences at the hands of online fraudsters.
In Gujarat, common cybercrime cases include investment scams impersonating local banks or government schemes, fraudulent job offers targeting recent graduates, and deceptive messages sent via WhatsApp or SMS. They often lure users to click malicious links, or fall prey to greed. Many victims, especially older adults, do not recognize these as criminal until significant damage has occurred.
As cybercrime victimisation in older populations increases, it is critical to consider how to address the significant under-reporting identified by the Survey. It is not simply enough for the government to reduce the digital divide by ensuring everyone has a mobile phone with internet, it is also a necessity to prioritize digital literacy and public awareness campaigns. People must be empowered to use it for their protection and justice.
