The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the Chakshu portal, which allows citizens to report fraudulent calls and messages. This initiative aims to combat the rising cyber fraud in India. Users can flag suspicious communications by using this platform. The portal is part of the government’s efforts to enhance digital security and protect citizens from cyber threats.

On Monday, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) unveiled two technology initiatives to combat mobile-based scams.

The Minister of Telecommunications, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently launched a new platform called ‘Chakshu’, enabling citizens to report any suspected fraudulent communication from mobile numbers. One can submit complaints via calls, SMS, or social media platforms like WhatsApp. The minister also shared that the Department of Telecommunications’ Sanchar Sathi Portal will soon be available as a mobile app.

Chakshu is an integrated system with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Sanchar Sathi portal. The design triggers the re-verification process for suspected fraudulent phone numbers. If the re-verification fails, authorities will disconnect the number in question. The DoT has committed to keeping the username and reporting details of suspected numbers confidential and not sharing them with anyone.

The government has introduced a new platform called Digital Intelligence Platform. This platform has been developed to provide a unified space for banks, payment wallets, social media platforms, and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to share data related to suspected fraudulent connections. This platform allows banks and payment wallets to cross-check their databases against the master list to prevent fraud.

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) officials are developing a new grievance redressal portal. This portal will address mobile connections being erroneously disconnected through the Sanchar Sathi portal. The government launched the Sanchar Sathi portal in May last year. It is the primary tool to protect mobile phone users from fraudulent activities like identity theft, forged KYC documents, and handset theft.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is working with the Reserve Bank of India and the Department of Financial Services to return the frozen amount of ₹1,008 crore from suspected accounts to the rightful citizens. The DoT officials also said they would review the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) recommendations regarding the proposed Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service. This method aims to allow users to view the registered name associated with incoming calls.

Vaishnaw highlighted the significance of maintaining user safety and privacy. He stressed that every user has the right to know who contacts them. Regarding unsolicited commercial communication, the Minister mentioned that they have redlisted 1.9 lakh text messages. They achieved this by analyzing 35 lakh headers.

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