Cyber Crime
DIP & Chakshu: Government Launches Powerful Weapons Against Cybercrime
DoT’s new tools to combat cyber fraud: Digital Intelligence Platform & Chakshu on Sanchar Saathi
The Indian government is stepping up its fight against cybercrime and financial fraud with the launch of two new tools: the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) and the Chakshu. These initiatives aim to empower citizens and improve coordination among different organizations to tackle these growing threats.
What is the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP)?
DIP is a secure platform designed for information sharing and collaboration between various stakeholders. This includes telecom service providers, law enforcement agencies, banks, social media platforms, and even government ID issuing authorities. By sharing real-time intelligence, these organizations can better identify and track fraudulent activities.
DIP isn’t for citizens directly. It serves as a backend system to process information received from citizens through the Sanchar Saathi portal (more on that below).
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What is the Chakshu facility?
Chakshu, which means “eye” in Hindi, is a new feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal. This citizen-friendly platform allows you to report suspicious communication you receive via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp.
Here are some examples of what you can report:
- Messages claiming your KYC (Know Your Customer) details need to be updated
- Requests to update your bank account, payment wallet, or SIM card details
- Phishing attempts impersonating government officials or relatives asking for money
- Threats of disconnection by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
What happens after you report something on Chakshu?
Your report will be directed to the relevant authorities through the DIP platform. This will enable them to investigate the issue and take necessary actions.
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What other services are available on Sanchar Saathi?
The Sanchar Saathi portal offers a variety of services to help you manage your mobile connections and stay safe online. Here are some of the things you can do:
- Check the mobile connections registered in your name and report unauthorized ones.
- Report lost or stolen mobile phones for blocking and tracking.
- Verify the authenticity of a new or used mobile phone before buying it.
- Report suspicious international calls with an Indian phone number displayed.
- Check details of licensed internet service providers.
What are the results of DoT’s initiatives so far?
The DoT’s efforts seem to be paying off. They have reported significant success in tackling cybercrime, including:
Outcome of the Various Initiatives of DoT:
- Total Visitors: Over 4 Crore
- Fraudulent Connections Disconnected: 59 Lakh
- Mobile Connections Disconnected Based on User Feedback: 23 Lakh
- Mobile Connections Disconnected for Exceeding Limit: 17 Lakh
- Mobile Connections Disconnected Based on Inputs from LEAs, Banks, IRCTC, etc.: 4 Lakh
- Total Disconnections: Over 1 Crore
- Mobile Handsets Blocked for Involvement in Cyber Crimes: 1.5 Lakh
- Points of Sale (PoS) Blacklisted: 71 Thousand
- FIRs Registered: 365+
- Mobile Handsets Blocked Based on User Requests: 14 Lakh
- Mobile Handsets Traced and Information Given to State Governments: 7 Lakh
- Partnership with WhatsApp – Total Accounts Disengaged: 3 Lakh
- Action Taken by Banks/Payment Wallets – Accounts Frozen: 10 Lakh
- Total Money of Indian Citizens Saved: ₹1,000 Crore
The launch of DIP and Chakshu demonstrates the DoT’s commitment to creating a secure digital environment for everyone. By staying vigilant, reporting suspicious activities, and using the tools provided, we can all play a part in combating cybercrime and financial fraud.
In case you are already a victim of cybercrime or financial fraud, you should report it directly to the cybercrime helpline (1930) or the government’s cybercrime portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in/).