Sanchar Saathi boosts telecom security through tools like CEIR and TAFCOP, blocking stolen devices and fraudulent SIMs. But the mandate to pre-install a non-removable app on smartphones has raised privacy concerns. Moving ahead requires balancing security with strong data protection, transparency, public trust, and industry cooperation.
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Picture Courtesy: HINDUSTANTIMES
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) directed all smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi mobile application on every new device sold in India.
It is launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to empower mobile users, enhance their security, and combat the growing menace of telecom-related cyber fraud.
It is an integrated web portal designed to provide a secure digital environment for citizens in line with the Digital India vision.
Over 3.4 crore fraudulent mobile connections have been terminated based on analysis and user reporting. (Source: PIB).
Key Objectives of the Initiative
Core Modules and Functionalities
The Sanchar Saathi portal integrates several key modules to offer a comprehensive suite of security services:
|
Module Name |
Function and Purpose |
|
Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) |
Users can block lost/stolen mobile phones with the 15-digit IMEI number. Once blocked, the device is unusable on any Indian network, deterring thieves and assisting recovery by law enforcement. |
|
Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP) |
Subscribers can check the number of mobile connections in their name. They can report unauthorized or unused connections for deactivation, preventing identity theft. |
|
Chakshu - Report Suspected Fraud |
Citizens can use a proactive reporting tool to report suspected fraudulent communications (calls, SMS, WhatsApp) for scams such as KYC expiry, bank fraud, impersonation, or lottery. |
|
Know Your Mobile (KYM) |
Verifies mobile device authenticity (especially for second-hand phones) before purchase by checking the IMEI status for blacklisting, duplication, or current use. |
The DoT has made it compulsory for all Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and importers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi mobile application.
Requirement: The app must be readily visible and accessible during the initial device setup, and its core functionalities cannot be restricted or disabled.
Scope: The rule applies to all new mobile handsets manufactured in or imported into India. For devices already in the sales channel, manufacturers are required to push the app via software updates.
Timeline: A 90-day period has been given for implementation, with a compliance report to be submitted within 120 days.
Data Privacy: The collection and processing of personal data, including identity and location information (for tracing), raise valid privacy concerns.
Digital Literacy Gap: The effectiveness of digital tools is limited by the awareness and digital literacy of the population.
Sophisticated Fraudsters: Criminals continuously develop new techniques, including advanced software to reprogram IMEI numbers, posing a constant technological challenge to the platform's security measures.
Inter-Agency Coordination: While the portal facilitates reporting, effective on-ground action requires seamless coordination between the DoT, state police forces, and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs).
Enhance Public Awareness: Launch large-scale, multilingual awareness campaigns through various media channels is essential to educate citizens about the portal's benefits and usage.
Strengthen Data Protection: Government must ensure robust implementation of the DPDP Act, 2023, providing complete transparency on how user data is handled and secured within the Sanchar Saathi ecosystem.
Technological Upgradation: Investment in advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to detect and analyze new fraud patterns and stay ahead of criminals.
Legislative Support: The Telecommunications Act, 2023, which criminalizes the tampering of IMEI numbers, provides a strong legal backbone. Strict enforcement of such provisions is key to creating a deterrent effect.
The Sanchar Saathi portal is a model of effective e-governance and citizen safety via technology, with the potential to become a global standard for securing national digital infrastructure.
Source: HINDUSTANTIMES
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. With reference to the Sanchar Saathi portal, consider the following pairs: 1. CEIR: Tracing and blocking lost or stolen mobile phones. 2. TAFCOP: Checking the number of mobile connections issued in one's name. 3. Chakshu: Reporting suspected fraudulent communications like SMS and calls. How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? A) Only one B) Only two C) All three D) None Answer: C Explanation: CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register): This module enables users to trace and block lost or stolen mobile phones across all telecom networks in India, preventing their misuse. TAFCOP (Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection): This facility allows mobile subscribers to check the number of mobile connections issued in their name and report any that are unauthorized or not required. Chakshu: This facility is used for reporting suspected fraudulent communications, such as calls, SMS, or WhatsApp messages, that are intended for cyber-crime or financial fraud. |
Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-centric digital platform launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to empower mobile users in India. It aims to enhance their security by providing tools to tackle mobile phone theft, SIM card fraud, and other telecom-related scams.
The portal has several key modules:
The controversy stems from a recent DoT directive that mandates all new smartphones sold in India to have the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed and non-removable by the user. This has raised serious concerns among privacy advocates about potential state surveillance and infringement on the user's right to privacy.
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