The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) revealed two technology-driven initiatives on Monday to bolster efforts in tackling mobile-based scams.
Introducing ‘Chakshu‘ and Enhancing Sanchar Sathi Portal Accessibility
Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the debut of ‘Chakshu,’ a platform empowering citizens to report suspected fraudulent communication from mobile numbers through calls, SMS, or messaging apps like WhatsApp. Additionally, he disclosed that the DoT’s Sanchar Sathi Portal will soon be accessible through a mobile app.
Empowering Users with Chakshu
Integrated with the DoT’s Sanchar Sathi portal, Chakshu will prompt the re-verification of suspected fraudulent numbers. Failure to pass re-verification will result in the disconnection of the number. The DoT assured that user information and details of suspected numbers will remain confidential and won’t be shared with any third party.
The Digital Intelligence Platform
The government introduced the Digital Intelligence Platform, providing a unified space for banks, payment wallets, social media platforms, and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to share data on suspected fraudulent connections. Banks and payment wallets can cross-check their databases against the master list to prevent fraud.
Addressing User Concerns with Grievance Redressal Portal
The government is in the process of launching a grievance redressal portal to address connections mistakenly disconnected through the Sanchar Sathi portal. Launched last year, the portal serves as the government’s primary tool for safeguarding mobile phone users from identity theft, forged KYC, and handset theft.
Reviewing TRAI Recommendations
Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw affirmed that the DoT will assess the recommendations of TRAI regarding the proposed Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service, aimed at enabling users to view the registered name linked to incoming calls. He emphasized the importance of user identification for incoming calls to safeguard user privacy.
Combatting Fraud: Significant Achievements
The minister highlighted several accomplishments in combatting fraudsters, including blacklisting 71,000 point of sale accounts, blocking 1.5 lakh handsets involved in cyber crimes, disengaging 3 lakh WhatsApp accounts, freezing 10 lakh bank and payment wallet accounts, and disconnecting 1 crore fraudulent mobile connections. These efforts have collectively saved approximately Rs 1,000 crore of citizens’ money and recovered 7 lakh stolen mobile handsets.
