- One of the most critical outcomes emerging out of the devastating effects of the pandemic-induced restrictions is the overwhelming acceptance of digital mediums allowing seamless day-to-day transactions. Online transactions using the internet became a big enabler coming in handy when the entire universe shut shop during the initial days of the pandemic. With movement restrictions in place, governments across the world were constrained to make use of technology-driven solutions which doubled up as an effective medium of administration. Yes, there were Himalayan challenges encountered along the way, especially concerning the poor and the downtrodden having little access to technology, but there was no denying that digital mediums proved extremely handy.
PC: Nishant Maliakel Oommen
- The Indian population has embraced digital mediums big-time can be substantiated by the way citizens are increasingly adopting online mediums for most of their requirements now. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) data suggests a tremendous increase in online payments patronized by citizens from all walks of life. Crowdfunding, which was in the nascent stage, too gained traction during the last two years. Of course, crowdfunding may be new in terms of its technology, label, and reach, but the underlying charitable activity is hardly new. Remember, communities pooling up to help a member in distress is quite traditional in our society. Still, the new tech avatar is raising new questions for want of better comprehension by the law enforcement agency.
- Following a show-cause notice served on a crowdfunding platform, the Bombay high court has asked the state to answer whether private organisations are permitted to do online crowdfunding for medical treatments. What the police notice itself asks is whether showing children in such social media campaigns falls under the category of begging, which would make it a crime under the juvenile justice law. Note that crowdfunding has very diversified interests in the world today. Its goals range from high-tech gear for the Ukrainian frontline to lawsuits in the UK to foreign university bills of Indian students. Yes, it’s a very competitive sector. Thus, using images of children to appeal to potential donors is understandable, especially for children’s causes.
PC: Truust
- And this hardly qualifies as begging. Police should not waste the public’s time chasing such shadows. Nor should governments obstruct private organisations acting as crowdfunding intermediaries. Mind you, their business helped many families pay scary bills during the pandemic. Especially a country with patchy public services and much inequality should not discourage any means for the needy to access expensive healthcare procedures. Agreed, crowdfunding has its swindlers here too. Thus, complaints of fraud should be seriously investigated and punished through IPC provisions against criminal breach of trust and cheating. Donors must also exercise due diligence before clicking the donate button.
