SIM Cards become a new identity of individuals

 The Telecom Sector has bridged the digital divide between rural and urban India. SIM Cards become a new identity of individuals.

  Seven crore SIM subscribers' facial data of Bihar and Jharkhand has been analyzed and actionable intelligence has been compiled.

The Department of Telecommunications, New Delhi taking the lead to ensure to curb the Cyber menace across India

Patna : 9.5.2023

In today's world, technology has become an integral part of our lives, and with the widespread use of mobile phones, SIM cards have become an essential tool for communication.

However, with the increasing reliance on technology, cyber fraud has become a significant concern. The Telecom Sector has significantly driven all the other sectors. It has been phenomenal in bringing the world of Internet to everyone’s reach in the most affordable price possible. 

The Telecom Sector has bridged the digital divide between the rural and urban India. SIM Cards have become a new identity of almost every individual of this country. However, as it is said nothing comes without its drawbacks, and the widespread use of SIM cards has led to some unintended consequences. The Cyber World is witnessing new type of offenders and victims on daily basis.

The Department of Telecommunications, New Delhi taking the lead and to ensure curb on this Cyber menace has carried out facial analysis of more than 87 crore SIM Subscribers across India. The analysis has been carried out using Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition Powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification (ASTR) in collaboration with CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED COMPUTING. The result of analysis has been shared with Department of Telecommunication field units to ensure action against SIM Fraudsters with the help of Telecom Service Providers & State Police.

Approximately Seven crore SIM subscribers facial data of Bihar and Jharkhand state has been analyzed and actionable intelligence has been compiled. The Department Of Telecommunication (DoT), Patna Office under the leadership of Special Director General Telecom has taken several steps for ensuring swift and timely action against the offenders who have been found to be manipulating Proof of Identity and Proof of Address for issuance of SIM Card.

In month of April 2023 itself, more than 2.25 lakh mobile numbers have been deactivated. Further, the Telecom Service Providers have blacklisted 517 Point of Sales who have been prima facie found to be involved in unethical and illegal practices while issuing SIM Cards. The Telecom Service Providers are further initiating legal proceedings against the fraudulent PoS as well as Subscribers. As per the latest reports received, FIRs in several districts of Bihar as well as Jharkhand have been lodged by the Telecom Service Providers.

The DoT, Patna Office is also in touch with the State Police and has shared the intelligence devised out ASTR analysis. The State Police has also assured that the suitable action will be initiated against the SIM Fraudsters (PoS/Subscribers). Further, the Department of Telecommunication Patna Office, Telecom Service Providers and State Police have agreed to work in cohesion to nab the SIM Fraudsters.