Why in News?
- The government has issued new telecom rules to fight cybercrime, including SIM binding and mandatory pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on new smartphones.
Cybercrime in India: Meaning and Nature
- Cybercrime refers to criminal activities carried out using computers, digital networks, or the internet as a tool, target, or medium.
- Cybercrimes include financial frauds, identity theft, phishing, ransomware attacks, and online impersonation
- The rapid growth of digital payments and online services has expanded the vulnerability of citizens and institutions.
- Cybercrime is now recognised as a serious internal security, economic security, and governance challenge.
Sanchar Saathi App
- Sanchar Saathi is a citizen-centric digital portal and mobile application launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
- It aims to empower users to verify, block, and trace mobile connections issued in their name.
- The platform integrates data from telecom service providers and national digital identity systems.
- It is a key component of India’s preventive cyber security and telecom governance framework.
Key Features of the Sanchar Saathi Platform
Sanchar Saathi has two major facilities, TAFCOP and CEIR
- The TAFCOP (Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection) module allows users to check the number of mobile connections issued in their name.
- The CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) facility enables users to block and trace lost or stolen mobile phones.
- Citizens can report suspected fraudulent mobile connections for verification and disconnection.
- The platform supports real-time coordination between telecom operators and enforcement agencies.
Role of Sanchar Saathi in Preventing Cybercrime
- By allowing citizens to identify and deactivate unknown SIM cards, it directly reduces the infrastructure used for cybercrime.
- Blocking stolen phones through CEIR prevents their reuse in organised cyber frauds.
- The platform strengthens digital identity protection and consumer cyber security.
- It acts as a preventive mechanism rather than only a post-crime response tool.
Challenges and Way Forward
- Limited digital awareness among rural and elderly populations restricts optimal use of the platform.
- Cybercriminals continuously adopt new techniques such as SIM cloning and VoIP fraud.
- There is a need for greater integration of Sanchar Saathi with banking and cybercrime reporting systems.
- Regular public awareness campaigns, advanced analytics, and stricter KYC enforcement are required for long-term effectiveness.

