Following on from the introduction of mandatory ID cards for users of cybercafe internet connections recently, the Indian government and police are planning to require fingerprints plus webcam images to authenticate users still further.

Plans call for the estimated 700-odd cybercafes scattered across Mumbai to be equipped with fingerprint scanners and user webcams before the end of the year.

If the technology is a success, then the security programme will be rolled out to cybercafes in other cities across India.

Mumbai's assistant commissioner of police, Deven Bharti, has been quoted as telling the Indian press that friendly discussions with cybercafe owners are now under way.

If the talks are successful, then this will surely curb the misuse of computers to a huge extent, he is quoted as saying.

Although the ID card security system has been successful in identifying uses of internet cafes where frauds or other illegal activities are involved, unconfirmed reports have suggested that there is a ready trade in stolen or forged ID cards.

Adding fingerprint scanners and webcam images to the security mix will boost security significantly, Infosecurity understands.

In parallel with the enhanced security initiative, Mumbai's Cyber Crime Investigation Cell (CCIC) is reported to be visiting several schools and colleges across the city to make students aware about the problem of misuse of computers and the internet.