Latest news with #SancharSaathi
The Hindu
11 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Union Government comes up with an AI-based app that helps prevent potential financial risks online
The Union Government has come up with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) application to help users prevent potential financial risks online. To create awareness about fraudulent transactions, spam and fraud calls, an innovative feature, Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI), has been developed and successfully tested, according to Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar. In an exclusive interaction with The Hindu at his camp office, near here, Mr. Chandra Sekhar said, 'The FRI AI app will enable us to profile people based on their historical activities and the complaints that have been received by the police, banks and other institutions. There are 500 institutions in our digital intelligence platform. We take all that data and we indicate whether that person is a very high risk for fraud, or high risk, or medium risk for fraud,' said Mr. Chandra Sekhar. The government had already run the FRI pilot project with two financial entities — PhonePe and SBI — where two lakh high-risk transactions had been blocked in two weeks. 'When you initiate a transaction to a potential fraud, this app will alert you with a message — this person is a high likely a fraud — to make sure that you verify before sending money. This AI-embedded app is working with 99% predictability. Now, we are going to deploy this platform in all the financial institutions. And, the security aspect is being reviewed every two weeks,' he added. Sanchar Saathi This apart, a 'Sanchar Saathi' mobile app was built by the Union Government in 20 languages. It was designed to arrest spam calls, identify lost mobiles, and report fraud calls. 'The app is already launched in English language and will be made available in other languages in a couple of weeks,' he said. The government was also focused on developing its own technology for telecommunications, and it had already achieved a significant progress in terms of last mile connectivity. 'Ranging from high-speed cable network to telecom towers every nook and corner, there is gigantic effort by the government in the past three years for a giant leap in communications,' Mr. Chandra Sekhar said. Shearing details, he said there would be revival and rejuvenation of India's national telecommunications company, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), with best standards possible. 'The BSNL has turned around, and we are also working on change of culture. So far, it has only 2G and 3G, we now started launching 4G, as decided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build indigenous 4G technology,' he said. 'Private companies have been using imported technology for 4G or 5G. As long as you have money, you can purchase and install the technology, that is an easy project. But, at BSNL, we want to use our own 4G, which has started three years ago. It is a collaboration between private Tejas Networks, TCS and C-DOT, which is a Government of India organisation. The C-DOT has written the software, Tejas developed hardware and TCS integrated all of these,' he said. 'The BSNL is the one executing the entire project. So, whatever the private players have done in 30 to 40 years, our people have to do it in two to three years, which is the challenge,' said Mr. Chandra Sekhar. Over 1,00,000 towers of 4G had been installed in the last one year to take the initiative forward. As part of rejuvenation, over ₹600 crore worth new batteries, generators and other equipment was procured. 'For BharatNet, we tendered 16 packages to lay ₹1.4 lakh crores worth cables across India. At least in half of circles, the work has started. The initiative facilitates high-speed Internet and TV at ₹400 per household, and there is ₹10,000 subsidy on the upfront cost,' the Union Minister said.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
DoT proposes new cybersecurity rules to combat mobile number fraud
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has proposed changes to the country's cybersecurity framework to reduce fraud involving the misuse of mobile phone numbers. In a draft proposal released on June 24, the DoT has suggested the creation of a new verification system for mobile numbers. This platform would allow authorised parties, such as telecom operators and licensed entities, to verify whether a number is valid and listed in the database of a recognised operator. The proposed platform, referred to as the Mobile Number Validation (MNV) platform, aims to help organisations — such as banks using mobile numbers for UPI transactions — verify the authenticity of those numbers. Entities using numbers to be classified as TIUE Under the draft rules, organisations that use mobile numbers to identify users or validate transactions will be classified as Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUE). The draft also details the cost of validating numbers using the MNV platform. Government-authorised entities will be charged ₹1.50 per request, while other organisations will pay ₹3 per request. The proposed rules will grant greater powers to government-approved bodies and law enforcement agencies, allowing them to access details of transactions conducted through non-telecom entities. Pilot project already underway A pilot initiative is already in progress, according to PTI sources. At least one bank is testing the new validation process, under which mobile numbers linked to fraudulent activity are flagged. If a number is flagged, it will be deactivated for 90 days. 'The history of the number will automatically get deleted after 90 days so that an individual who procures the same number after 90 days is not impacted,' said a source. The DoT has invited feedback on the proposed changes. Stakeholders have 30 days from the release of the draft to submit their comments. DoT measures to prevent cybercrime Earlier this year, the Ministry of Communications outlined a range of measures taken by the DoT to protect citizens from cybercrime and financial fraud. These included developing a system to detect mobile connections obtained through fake documents and launching the Sanchar Saathi platform — available via web portal and mobile app — which enables users to report fraud, check mobile connections issued in their name, and block stolen devices. Additionally, the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) was launched to facilitate information sharing among 540 organisations, including banks, police, and security agencies, to combat misuse of telecom resources. To counter the growing threat of international spoofed calls mimicking Indian numbers, the DoT and telecom service providers have implemented a system to identify and block such calls, which are often linked to scams such as fake digital arrests and impersonation of officials. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, while the DoT notified the new Telecom Cyber Security Rules and established a Telecom Security Operation Centre (TSOC) to monitor and alert stakeholders about potential threats.
India Today
23-06-2025
- India Today
Anyone using SIM card on your ID? Here is how to see how many SIM cards have been issued in your name
Our mobile numbers have increasingly become a primary form of digital identity, connected with our banking, government-issued IDs, and a multitude of digital services. This close linkage to essential financial and important services has unfortunately made SIM cards a prime target for scammers seeking to exploit them for malicious purposes. Scammers are actively issuing unauthorised mobile numbers using stolen identities, while many individuals are unaware that these fraudulent connections may exist in their combat these growing threats, the Indian government has introduced the Sanchar Saathi platform. Developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), this digital initiative is designed to protect mobile identities and curb telecom-related fraud. The platform offers a range of valuable services including:-- Report and block lost or stolen phones -- Track devices using IMEI numbers-- Check all mobile numbers issued in their name-- Report fake or spam calls and messages-- Verify the authenticity of mobile handsetsAccording to Telecom Minister Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, till date the platform has successfully blocked over 33.5 lakh fraudulent or lost phones and has traced more than 20 lakh stolen devices. Around 4.64 lakh of these recovered phones have been returned to their rightful the government is actively urging citizens to verify whether their identity is being used to obtain fraudulent mobile connections. Users can check the total number of SIM card connections in their name on the Sanchar Saathi to check the number of SIM cards issued in your nameadvertisementTo check for any unauthorized connections, follow these simple steps:Visit the Sanchar Saathi portal at to the 'Citizen Centric Services' section and click on 'Know Your Mobile Connections'.Enter your 10-digit mobile number and the captcha will receive a one-time password (OTP) on your mobile number. Enter the OTP to log portal will display a list of all mobile numbers registered with your identity documents (like Aadhaar).What to do if you have an unrecognised SIM card under your name?If the list includes numbers you do not recognise. Do not panic. Follow these straps to unlink the the suspicious 'Not My Number' when your selection and submit.A Request ID will be generated — save this for tracking numbers will then be sent for re-verification by the telecom service provider. If found to be unauthorised, the connections will be deactivated, thereby securing your identity from potential misuse.- Ends
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Lost your phone? Track, block, and recover it using these government and app tools
Jun 23, 2025 11:32 AM IST Losing a phone can disrupt daily life and raise concerns about privacy and security. Fortunately, several tools and government initiatives in India provide ways to locate, block, and recover lost or stolen mobile devices. One of the key resources available is the Sanchar Saathi portal, developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) under the Department of Telecom. This platform uses a centralised system to help track phones using their unique IMEI numbers. Here's how you can track and recover your lost phone using government and built-in device tools.(Pexels) The Sanchar Saathi portal connects users, police, cybercrime units, and telecom operators to combat mobile phone theft. Since its launch, it has blocked over three million devices and helped return more than four hundred thousand phones to their owners. To use this service, follow these steps: Obtain a duplicate SIM card from your telecom provider. File a police complaint reporting your phone as lost or stolen. Visit the Sanchar Saathi website at Select the 'Block/Stolen mobile' option. Enter your phone's IMEI number, complaint details, Aadhaar-linked address, and an alternative contact number. Submit the information. Also read: Think that new Minecraft mod is safe? It could be malware stealing your data - over 1,500 players already hit Once registered, the system immediately alerts relevant authorities and operators. If someone tries to use your lost phone, whether with the original SIM or a new one, the system triggers alerts that help trace the device. Quick reporting improves the chances of recovery before the phone changes hands or is moved out of the country. Also read: Welcomes Meta's New Policy Enabling Regulated Gaming Ads Alternative Options to Track Mobile Phones Apart from government services, smartphone manufacturers and platforms offer tools to locate lost devices: Google's Find My Device: Available as an app and website, it lets users see their registered Android devices on a map. The service allows you to ring the phone, lock it remotely, display messages on the screen, or erase data to protect your information. Available as an app and website, it lets users see their registered Android devices on a map. The service allows you to ring the phone, lock it remotely, display messages on the screen, or erase data to protect your information. Samsung's Find My Mobile: This service works similarly for Samsung devices, offering tracking, locking, and wiping options. Also read: How to easily compress data on your iPad to save storage space To use Google's Find My Device, sign in to your Google account, select your missing device, and track its location. You can play a sound to locate the phone nearby or send a lock command to secure it from unauthorised access. If necessary, you can erase the phone's data remotely to prevent misuse. Mobile finder: Google Pixel 9a LATEST price, specs and all details
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Time of India
DoT's Sanchar Saathi traces over 20 lakh lost, stolen phones: MoS Telecom
The telecom department's Sanchar Saathi platform has helped in tracing over 20 lakh lost or stolen phones till date, Minister of State for Telecommunications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said on to data available on the Sanchar Saathi platform, the government has been able to block 33.5 lakh mobile phones and traced 20.28 lakh handsets till date. "DoT's Sanchar Saathi application has enabled reporting and blocking of fraudulent mobile connections and helped trace over 20 lakh lost or stolen phones. We remain committed to building a secure and citizen-centric digital ecosystem," Pemmasani said on a social media platform after holding a review meeting on fraud prevention efforts by the Department of Telecom. According to sources present in the meeting, the minister was informed that the average recovery rate of lost mobile phones is 22.9 per cent, and 4.64 lakh handsets have been returned to the citizens till date. Sanchar Sathi platform enables citizens to report their lost or stolen mobile phones for blocking and recovering them, file complaints against fraudulent calls and report fraudulent connections issued in the name of individuals.
