Meghalaya: Law Minister Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh Falls Prey to Social Media Impersonation

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SHILLONG: Law Minister Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh has also once become the victim of social media impersonation in Meghalaya amid rising cybercrime cases in the state.

Law Minister Dr. M. Ampareen Lyngdoh back filed a complaint with the Meghalaya Police's cybercrime cell after discovering that someone was impersonating her on Facebook, sending messages to her friends on the platform.

Recalling her experience, Dr. Lyngdoh explained, "I was aware that there was a fake account in my name, circulating and asking questions of citizens. I was taken aback. I checked my account, and after noticing repeated impersonation attempts, I contacted the Superintendent of Police of East Khasi Hills, who advised me to report it to the cybercrime cell. I believe the police have taken necessary action." She described the incident as part of a growing trend in the "invasiveness of media today."

Although there were no reported attempts at financial extortion, Dr. Lyngdoh expressed her unease about the messages being sent to her contacts. "To my knowledge, there was no mention of money, but the impersonator kept messaging my Facebook friends, asking, 'Is this you?" and questions like, 'Where are you staying?" and 'What are your problems?" It was disturbing to me," she remarked.

Looking to the future, she warned of the potential escalation in impersonation cases due to advancing technology.

"In this age of Artificial Intelligence, things will get worse. We've seen AI impersonate well-known personalities. It's a matter of time before even spouses, parents, and children might be fooled. This problem is growing," she cautioned.

Several politicians, police officers, government servants, and several others in the state have become victims of social media impersonation.

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