The Telecom Ministry will set up a nodal agency, ‘Digital Intelligence Unit’ (DIU) for the speedy investigation and resolution of rising cases of financial frauds and unsolicited messages.
Key Points
- This announcement was made during a high-level meeting conducted to discuss ways to make digital transactions more secure and reliable. The meeting was presided by Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
- The main function of DIU will be to coordinate with various financial institutions, law enforcement agencies (LEAs), and telecom service providers in investigating any fraudulent activity involving telecom resources.
- Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection system will also be created at License Service Area level.
- The system would help make digital financial transactions through mobile, more reliable, and secure.
- Officials have been directed to take strict action against erring telemarketers and individuals involved in harassment of telecom subscribers by the way of unsolicited commercial messages or calls.
- Officials have also been directed to conduct a meeting with telecom service providers and telemarketers to apprise them of the seriousness of the issue and to ensure the compliance of laid down rules and procedures in this regard.
The government has issued clear directions to the officials for taking strict and tangible action to curb financial frauds. It was also decided that for effective handling of Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) and also the financial frauds being done through misuse of telecom resources, a web/mobile application and SMS-based system would be developed for a redressal mechanism.
