Watch Free Classes
UPSC » Daily News Analysis ‘Cybercrime & Sanchar Saathi’ : 3 December

Daily News Analysis ‘Cybercrime & Sanchar Saathi’ : 3 December

Table of Content

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.