The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is taking action against cyber fraud involving fraudulently obtained SIM cards by enforcing police verification for SIM dealers. This move aligns with the launch of the Sanchar Saathi portal, developed by C-DoT under DoT. The portal aims to combat identity theft, forged KYC, and banking frauds. It empowers users to verify registered connections, report fraud, block stolen or lost phones, and verify IMEI genuineness before purchase. The portal’s three key reforms include CEIR for lost/stolen phone tracking, “Know your mobile connections” for identifying unauthorized connections, and AI-driven ASTR for advanced SIM subscriber verification.
Prelims portal
- Sanchar Saathi Portal: A platform introduced by C-DoT and DoT to address cyber fraud involving SIM cards, providing users with tools to verify, report, and secure their mobile connections.
- C-DoT: The Centre for Development of Telematics, an Indian government-owned telecommunications technology development center.
- IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity): A unique number assigned to mobile phones, aiding in tracking lost or stolen devices.
- CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register): A system that tracks and blocks lost or stolen mobile phones across the country.
- ASTR (Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition): A technology-driven solution using AI and facial recognition for advanced SIM subscriber verification and tracking.
- Law Enforcement Agencies: Government entities responsible for maintaining law and order and enforcing regulations.
- IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity): A unique identifier associated with a mobile user, often used for authentication and tracking.
