Rajasthan High Court Orders QR-Coded IDs for Gig Workers, Stricter SIM Rules and Influencer Oversight to Curb Digital Crimes
Court Calls Cybercrime “Unstoppable” and Directs State to Build Cyber Command Centres and Forensic Labs
Gig Economy Platforms, Influencers, and Telecom Firms Face New Compliance Duties in Digital Safety Push
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: December 06, 2025:
The Rajasthan High Court has issued sweeping directives to tackle the growing menace of cybercrime and digital frauds. Recognizing that crimes in the digital era are expanding at an “unstoppable and exponential pace,” the Court mandated QR-coded identification cards for gig workers, stricter rules for SIM card issuance, and regulation of online influencers.
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This ruling, delivered by Justice Ravi Chirania, comes in the backdrop of alarming cases where fraudsters impersonated police officers and extorted crores from citizens through “digital arrest” scams.
Key Directives of the Court
The Rajasthan High Court’s order includes several preventive measures:
- QR-Coded IDs for Gig Workers:
- Mandatory verification and registration of gig workers employed by platforms like Ola, Uber, Zomato, and Swiggy.
- QR-coded IDs to ensure authenticity and traceability.
- Companies directed to employ at least 15% women drivers, increasing to 25% in three years, to improve passenger safety.
- Stricter SIM Regulations:
- Telecom firms must tighten verification processes for issuing SIM cards.
- Prevent misuse of fake identities in cyber frauds.
- Influencer Oversight:
- Guidelines to regulate YouTube and social media influencers without curbing free speech.
- Aim to prevent misinformation, scams, and misuse of digital platforms.
- Cyber Infrastructure:
- Establishment of regional cyber command centres.
- Creation of a 24x7 digital forensic lab to investigate cybercrimes swiftly.
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Why These Steps Matter
India has witnessed a surge in digital frauds, ranging from phishing scams to impersonation crimes. The Court noted that cybercriminals are exploiting gaps in verification systems and digital platforms.
- Gig Economy Risks: With millions of workers in ride-hailing and food delivery services, lack of proper verification exposes customers to fraud and safety risks.
- SIM Card Misuse: Fake SIMs are often used in scams, making it difficult for police to trace culprits.
- Influencer Power: Online influencers can spread misinformation or promote fraudulent schemes, impacting millions of followers.
By mandating QR-coded IDs, stricter SIM rules, and influencer regulation, the Court aims to close loopholes that criminals exploit.
Global Context
The Rajasthan HC’s directives mirror global efforts:
- European Union: The EU AI Act and Digital Services Act regulate online platforms and influencers.
- United States: Telecom firms face strict KYC norms to prevent SIM fraud.
- China: QR-coded IDs and digital monitoring are already in place for gig workers.
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Thus, India’s judiciary is aligning with international best practices while tailoring solutions to local challenges.
Expert Opinions
- Legal Analysts: “QR-coded IDs for gig workers will improve accountability. It’s a preventive step against impersonation.”
- Cybersecurity Experts: “SIM misuse is a major enabler of fraud. Stricter rules will help curb scams.”
- Social Commentators: “Influencer regulation is tricky. While preventing misuse is important, free speech must be protected.”
Challenges Ahead
While the measures are preventive, implementation will be challenging:
- Gig Platforms: Ola, Uber, Zomato, and Swiggy must overhaul verification systems and ensure compliance.
- Telecom Firms: Stricter SIM rules may slow down issuance and inconvenience customers.
- Influencer Oversight: Balancing regulation with freedom of expression will require careful drafting of guidelines.
The Court acknowledged these challenges but stressed that citizen safety must come first.
Broader Impact
- For Citizens: Greater trust in gig platforms and telecom services.
- For Businesses: Higher compliance costs but improved credibility.
- For Law Enforcement: Easier tracking of fraudsters through verified IDs and SIMs.
- For Society: A step toward safer digital ecosystems in India.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan High Court’s directives mark a bold step in India’s fight against digital crimes. By mandating QR-coded IDs for gig workers, stricter SIM rules, and influencer regulation, the Court has addressed vulnerabilities in the digital economy.
While implementation challenges remain, these measures are widely seen as good preventive steps that balance innovation with accountability. As cybercrime grows globally, India’s judiciary has shown leadership in ensuring that digital progress does not come at the cost of public safety.
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