In a groundbreaking effort to tackle the issue of unauthorized phone numbers in India, the Union Ministry of Communications has deployed artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze mobile connections nationwide. The study revealed that fake documents obtained 40.87 lakh numbers (0.47%) out of the 87.85 crore connections explored. With the help of AI, the government has successfully banned 38 lakhs of these fake mobile numbers.
AI Technology Reveals the Extent of Fraudulent Connections
The Union Ministry examined 87 crore mobile connections in 22 Licensed Service Areas (LSA) circles during its first phase. The analysis uncovered the prevalence of unnatural links and the involvement of 44,582 points of Sales (PoS) of telecom service providers in selling these unauthorized connections. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has blocked these PoS, and efforts are underway to address the issue.
Registering FIRs and Blocklisting Offenders
The Ministry has urged all states and Union Territories to register First Information Reports (FIRs) against the offenders. Thus, helping to combat the rising tide of cybercrime cases associated with fraudulent connections. Surprisingly, the study revealed that only 181 FIRs had been registered across India, covering 1,575 fraudulent PoS. The Ministry emphasized taking immediate action and prosecuting those selling fraudulent mobile connections.
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Regional Insights: Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana
The study highlighted specific regional findings, illuminating the scale of the issue in certain areas. In Jammu and Kashmir, they analyzed 1.20 crore mobile connections and discovered 15,194 connections obtained through fake or forged documents. They promptly disconnected 14,494 of these fraudulent connections and blocked 3,024 points of sale (PoS). Similarly, in Haryana, out of 3.08 crore connections analyzed, they found that 5.33 lakh connections were obtained using fake documents. Thus, leading to the disconnection of 5.24 lakh numbers.
The Ministry’s Urgent Call to Action
In its communication, the Ministry stressed the urgent need to combat this menace and register more FIRs against offenders. Additionally, they proposed integrating the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS network). This integration would automatically block lost or stolen handsets after filing a complaint and aid in recovering stolen mobile phones physically.
Positive Steps in Haryana
Haryana, the country’s first state to integrate CCTNS with CEIR for automatically blocking lost or stolen mobile handsets, has made significant progress. The state is actively utilizing this facility and raising awareness among the public through the Sanchar Saathi portal .
The Impact of Citizen-Centric Initiatives
Earlier this year, the Union Ministry launched the Sanchar Saathi portal, which provides a safe digital space for telecom subscribers. Through the TAFCOP portal, individuals can verify the number of mobile connections registered in their name and report any unauthorized links.
Our Say
The Indian government’s utilization of AI technology to identify and block unauthorized phone numbers marks a significant step towards ensuring the integrity of the telecom system. By taking proactive measures and integrating systems, the government aims to curb the prevalence of fraudulent connections. It is crucial for all states and Union Territories to actively participate in the efforts, register FIRs, and collaborate to create a more secure telecom landscape. These endeavors will protect consumers and contribute to the integrity and reliability of the telecommunications network in India.
A 23-year-old, pursuing her Master's in English, an avid reader, and a melophile. My all-time favorite quote is by Albus Dumbledore - "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one remembers to turn on the light."
