Cyber Crime
DoT Directs Social Media Platforms To Remove Caller ID Spoofing Apps Amid Rising Cyber Fraud Concerns
The Indian government has issued a strong directive to social media platforms, instructing them to remove applications and content that facilitate caller ID spoofing. The advisory, issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), comes amid growing concerns over the misuse of such apps for fraudulent activities.
According to officials, caller ID spoofing—where a caller deliberately alters their phone number display to mislead recipients—has been exploited for scams, financial fraud, and other cyber crimes. To tackle this issue, the DoT has directed major social media platforms, including Meta, Instagram, Google, and X (formerly Twitter), to take immediate action against apps and content promoting these illegal practices.
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A senior cybercrime official confirmed the directive, stating, “Social media platforms and application hosting services have been ordered to immediately remove any content or applications that facilitate caller ID spoofing.” The advisory underscores the legal ramifications of telecom identity fraud, warning that obtaining subscriber identity modules (SIMs) or other telecommunication identifiers through fraudulent means is a serious offense. Under the Telecommunications Act, such violations can lead to imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh, or both. The directive also mandates that all social media platforms and application hosting services submit a compliance report to the DoT by February 28. The report must confirm the removal of any applications or content that enable the tampering of telecom identifiers, including Calling Line Identification (CLI), IP addresses, and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. The advisory stresses that platforms failing to comply will be deemed complicit in promoting telecom fraud, making them liable under the law.
Highlighting the gravity of the issue, the DoT cited a recent incident where a social media influencer allegedly demonstrated how to alter caller ID details, allowing the called party to see a different number. Such practices, the government warns, not only deceive individuals but also create loopholes for criminals to conduct fraudulent activities.
The DoT has classified offenses related to telecom identity tampering as cognizable and non-bailable, reinforcing the seriousness of the crackdown. Furthermore, it has warned that any platform hosting content related to caller ID spoofing will be considered in violation of the law.