In a bid to tackle cybercrime and financial frauds, Union minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched two new portals from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Monday. The newly introduced Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) and the Chakshu portal aim to enhance real-time intelligence sharing among various stakeholders.

The DIP, as a backend module, facilitates the exchange of information between law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, telecom service providers, social media platforms, and document issuing authorities. This collaboration enables the swift sharing of data when a fraudulent activity is identified, leading to the immediate blocking of the concerned number across all platforms to prevent further misuse.

On the other hand, the Chakshu portal, integrated with the Sanchar Saathi portal, empowers users to report suspected fraudulent communications received via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp. Upon receiving such reports, the system prompts the user to re-verify their number, and failure to do so results in the disconnection of the reported number. This proactive approach aims to curb fraudulent activities and safeguard the interests of individuals.

While these portals serve as essential tools in combating cyber threats, they are not directly accessible to citizens. Instead, they function as backend repositories for requests initiated through the Sanchar Saathi portal. This centralized approach streamlines the process of handling fraud-related incidents and ensures a coordinated response from relevant authorities.

Furthermore, the DoT is actively working on establishing a grievance redressal portal to address cases of erroneous disconnections and facilitate the return of frozen funds to affected individuals in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Department of Financial Services. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to providing a secure and reliable digital environment for its citizens.

The Sanchar Saathi portal, launched in May 2023, has already proven to be effective in enhancing cybersecurity measures. With features such as the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) for reporting lost or stolen mobile devices, the Telecom Analytics for Fraud Control and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP) for verifying mobile connections, and other functionalities, the portal has successfully disconnected over 10 million mobile connections for various reasons.

Moreover, the CEIR has been instrumental in blocking 1.4 million mobile handsets on user request and tracing 700,000 devices to provide relevant information to state governments. This concerted effort to combat cyber threats and financial frauds underscores the government’s proactive approach towards ensuring the safety and security of digital transactions and communications.

In conclusion, the introduction of the DIP and Chakshu portals marks a significant milestone in bolstering India’s cybersecurity infrastructure and combating financial crimes. By leveraging technology and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the government is taking proactive steps to mitigate risks and safeguard the digital ecosystem. As cyber threats continue to evolve, initiatives like these are crucial in staying ahead of malicious actors and protecting the interests of citizens in an increasingly digital world.

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