Bribes.fyi, a platform that allowed users to anonymously report bribes they were allegedly asked to pay, has announced an \u201cindefinite break\u201d, describing the move as a \u201cvoluntary decision\u201d.<\/p>\n
In a message posted on its website, the platform said the decision was a precautionary measure to prevent any \u201cmisuse\u201d of the platform. Bribes.fyi had recently gone viral, although its exact date of creation remains unknown.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks for all the feedback and insights – we are taking an indefinite break and have no plans to enable the submissions again. This is a voluntary decision to sunset the website and a precautionary step to avoid any misuse of the platform, not a response to any complaint,\u201d the message read.<\/p>\n
Bribes.fyi said its status page would remain live for some time before being shut down permanently. It also said all recorded data would be permanently deleted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was built to help people, and it would have been only possible with steady, sustainable operation, not as a viral moment. We request everyone not to circulate the names and images for their fame and views,\u201d the website said.<\/p>\n
Bribes.fyi described itself as India\u2019s first crowdsourced bribe registry, where users could anonymously report details of bribes they were allegedly asked to pay.<\/p>\n
Users could submit information including the role, amount and department involved. The platform described the registry as completely anonymous and permanently public.<\/p>\n
Before announcing its indefinite break, the website organised the reported data into three sections \u2014 reports, departments and cities. It also allowed users to compare reported bribes across departments.<\/p>\n
The departments listed on the platform included the Police, RTO, Revenue\/Land Records, Passport Office, Municipal Corporation, GST Office, Electricity Board, Income Tax, and Food and Drug Administration.<\/p>\n
One of the reports submitted on the platform involved an alleged \u20b92,000 bribe in Pune.<\/p>\n
The person who submitted the report alleged that they were asked to pay the amount to the Police Department.<\/p>\n
\u201cWas told to take \u2018tatkal\u2019 route, which costs 2500 to avoid multiple visits and unnecessary delays,\u201d the person wrote while submitting the report.<\/p>\n
In an unrelated development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has planned greater engagement with students and young adults to reset its narrative and sway Gen Z and young people's sentiments towards the government following the CJP student protests, HT reported earlier.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe party has identified some gaps in our communication and outreach that could have exacerbated the students\u2019 unrest and created a perception that the concerns of the youth were not addressed\u2026 There will be more engagement with students and young adults,\u201d a BJP lawmaker said, requesting anonymity.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Yuva Morcha will be more active, there will be more programmes and events to connect with the youth. We will also reach out to the younger lot in schools, who may be young, but are clued in and active on social media,\u201d a second senior party functionary said.<\/p>\n