Centre Tightens Reins on SIM Card Dealers to Counter Cyber Frauds
In a decisive move to counteract cyber frauds stemming from fraudulently acquired SIM cards, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has rolled out a series of stringent measures. Announced on Thursday, these reforms underscore the government’s commitment to fortifying user protection in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Union Minister of Communications and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, during a press briefing, articulated the government’s stance, stating
“We have singularly focused on user protection. These reforms are squarely aimed at enhancing user protection and significantly reducing cyber frauds.”
He further emphasized the urgency to safeguard the vast digital user base in the country.
Central to these reforms is the mandatory police and biometric verification for SIM dealers. Vaishnaw shed light on the alarming data, noting
“The evidence clearly indicates dealer complicity in cyber frauds. Attackers purchase numbers in bulk, exploit them to defraud individuals, and swiftly transition to another number.”
To deter such malpractices, dealers found aiding and abetting these schemes will be slapped with a substantial fine of ₹10 lakh. The detailed guidelines pertaining to these penalties are anticipated to be released by the DoT soon.
Another pivotal reform is the discontinuation of the provision allowing companies to acquire SIM connections in bulk. Replacing this system, a novel “business” framework will be instituted. Under this, every corporate subscriber will be mandated to complete a KYC (‘Know Your Customer’) process when procuring a SIM. Vaishnaw elaborated on the rationale behind this shift, remarking
“After an exhaustive study and field evidence analysis, we’ve resolved to phase out the bulk connection system.”
Highlighting the achievements since the inception of the Sanchar Saathi portal in May, Vaishnaw revealed that a staggering 52 lakh connections, which were activated using counterfeit documents, have been deactivated. The crackdown has also seen 67,000 SIM dealers being blacklisted and 300 FIRs lodged. Furthermore, in a bid to curb mass spamming, 66,000 WhatsApp accounts have been suspended, and 8 lakh payment wallet accounts implicated in fraudulent transactions have been blocked.
Concluding his address, Vaishnaw expressed optimism about the tangible impact of these measures. He projected a “significant decrease” in cyber fraud incidents within a year and added
“Fraudsters, previously operating with impunity in certain regions, are now feeling the heat. This sentiment is corroborated by reports from intelligence and police agencies.”
As the digital economy continues its upward trajectory, these reforms underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a secure cyber environment for its citizens.