Pakistan’s ISI and terrorist organisations operating in Jammu and Kashmir have adopted new communication channels to evade detection by security forces, moving away from mainstream messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Signal amid heightened surveillance by Indian security agencies. According to reports, these groups are now turning to pornographic websites and Tor-based applications to coordinate their activities.
The shift followed a crackdown by authorities on the misuse of online gaming platforms, prompting terror operatives to change their approach. Certain pornographic websites and apps offering real-time chat features — designed to connect nearby users or marketed under the guise of dating services — are now being exploited by ISI agents and terror handlers to exchange information relating to recruitment, transfer of funds, and planning of attacks. Unlike social media platforms, these services make it significantly more difficult for authorities to establish the real identities of users.
To further evade India’s digital surveillance mechanisms, these groups are also examining Tor-based messaging applications such as Cwtch and Conion. Under the Tor network, internet traffic is routed and encrypted through nodes located in multiple countries, making it a considerable challenge to trace the location or identity of those sending or receiving communications. Access to Conion’s Android application has reportedly already been restricted within the country.
The groups are additionally showing a preference for Vietnam-based online platforms that offer anonymity without requiring a phone number or SIM card, as well as clandestine services such as MoonChat. Several versions of these platforms employ PGP encryption and do not require any conventional registration process, presenting a formidable digital challenge for security forces.
Indian security agencies and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have accordingly stepped up monitoring of such “cyber jihad” activity, intensifying surveillance of the dark web and non-trackable applications while focusing on various foreign platforms. Agencies are tightening digital security measures amid growing concern over the misuse of open-source networks such as Tor by terrorist elements for their operations.