India’s push to curb cyber fraud has gained significant momentum with the government’s Sanchar Saathi initiative leading to the blocking of 1.52 crore mobile connections linked to unauthorised or suspicious activity, according to official data released on Thursday.
In addition to the blocked numbers, around 2 crore mobile connections have been disconnected after verification exercises flagged irregularities, underlining the scale of enforcement as authorities intensify scrutiny of telecom-linked fraud. The crackdown has also extended to digital platforms, with 27 lakh WhatsApp accounts connected to fraudulent SIM cards being disabled.
Sanchar Saathi, launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has steadily emerged as a central pillar of India’s expanding cyber security framework, reflecting both the rapid growth of digital services and the evolving nature of cybercrime. Despite early political controversy over a proposal to recommend pre-installation of the app on smartphones, the platform has seen widespread public adoption.
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Government officials said the Sanchar Saathi portal has recorded nearly 20 crore hits, while its mobile application has crossed 2 crore downloads, making it one of the most widely used citizen-facing cyber safety tools in the country.
Speaking at a public event in the capital, the Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region described Sanchar Saathi as a “strong and resilient firewall” against cyber fraud, stressing that technology-driven monitoring has become critical in protecting users as India’s digital footprint expands.
Backend intelligence and spoofed call crackdown
Officials noted that cyber fraud detection now increasingly relies on backend intelligence platforms that integrate inputs from multiple agencies. One such system, ICORE, has been instrumental in identifying organised fraud networks operating across states and international borders.
According to data shared by the ministry, nearly 1.35 crore spoofed calls—often originating from foreign locations and masked to appear as domestic numbers—were earlier being recorded. These calls have since been identified and neutralised, leading to a reported reduction of almost 95 per cent in spoofed call traffic.
Authorities said the combination of user reports through Sanchar Saathi, digital forensics and intelligence-led analysis has helped map complex fraud ecosystems, enabling faster and more coordinated responses.
Financial fraud alerts and bank integration
A key component of the evolving telecom and cyber security framework is the Financial Fraud Risk Indicators (FFRIs) platform. Designed to flag high-risk transactions in real time, the system enables banks and financial institutions to act swiftly when potential fraud is detected.
Nearly 800 to 900 banks and financial entities, along with investigative agencies across states, are now integrated into this ecosystem. Officials said the platform facilitates early alerts and coordinated action, significantly reducing response time in cases involving phishing, SIM swap fraud and identity theft.
Privacy concerns and policy recalibration
The initiative has not been without debate. A government order recommending pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app during the last Parliament session had triggered concerns over privacy and user consent. Addressing these issues, the minister said the idea of mandatory pre-installation was subsequently dropped.
He noted that smartphones typically come with several pre-installed applications and users retain the freedom to choose what to keep or remove. Emphasising the balance between privacy and public convenience, he said citizens are free to download and use Sanchar Saathi as and when required.
A growing digital security footprint
Taken together, the figures highlight the expanding intersection of technology, security and public service delivery in an increasingly digital India. With cyber fraud evolving in scale and sophistication, officials believe platforms such as Sanchar Saathi will play a critical role in strengthening trust in digital ecosystems.
Policy experts say the initiative signals a broader shift towards proactive, technology-led governance, where citizen participation, real-time intelligence and inter-agency coordination are central to combating cybercrime.
For millions of mobile users, the government hopes the continued rollout and refinement of such tools will translate into safer digital transactions and greater confidence in India’s rapidly growing digital economy.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
