Major Reforms for Mobile User Protection Unveiled to Foster a Safer Digital Landscape

New Delhi, August 17, 2023 – In a decisive move to ensure the security and integrity of India’s rapidly expanding digital environment, the Government of India has introduced two pioneering reforms aimed at safeguarding mobile users and cultivating a more secure digital ecosystem.

Revamping KYC for Enhanced User Authentication

The government has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of the Know Your Customer (KYC) process to bolster user verification for SIM Swap and Replacement. In addition to the existing thumb and iris-based biometric authentication methods, facial-based biometric authentication has been sanctioned. This heightened authentication process will amplify the protection of user identities.

Moreover, a complete KYC procedure for end-users utilizing business connections has been introduced, ensuring a higher level of accountability and traceability.

Transforming Point-of-Sale (POS) Registration

To combat the menace of cybercrimes and fraudulent activities, the government has instituted a mandatory registration process for Franchisees, Agents, and Distributors under the Point-of-Sale (POS) Registration Reforms. This step aims to eliminate rogue POS entities that engage in fraudulent practices by issuing SIMs to anti-social and anti-national elements.

The registration process requires rigorous verification of POS entities, coupled with a written agreement between the POS and Licensees. Any POS found engaging in illegal activities will face a termination and a blacklisting period of three years. This approach encourages ethical practices and provides a secure framework for POS entities.

Impact of ‘Sanchar Saathi’ Portal

The ‘Sanchar Saathi’ portal, launched on World Telecommunication Day (17 May 2023), has made a significant impact in protecting mobile users. The portal empowers mobile subscribers to identify connections registered under their name, report fraudulent registrations, and report lost or stolen mobile handsets for blocking.

Since its inception, the ‘Sanchar Saathi’ portal, in conjunction with the ASTR tool, has yielded remarkable results:

• Detection of over 66 lakh suspected mobile connections
• Disconnection of more than 52 lakh mobile connections due to failed re-verification
• Blacklisting of over 67,000 Points of Sale (PoS)
• Blocking of approximately 17,000 mobile handsets
• Registration of more than 300 FIRs against over 1,700 Points of Sale (PoS)
• Blocking of over 66,000 WhatsApp accounts
• Freezing of around 8 lakh bank and wallet accounts linked to fraudulent activities
• Resolution of 9.26 lakh out of 18 lakh complaints regarding fraudulently registered mobile connections
• Tracing of 3 lakh out of 7.5 lakh complaints about stolen or lost mobile handsets

Ensuring a Safer Digital Landscape

With these groundbreaking reforms and the continued implementation of ‘Sanchar Saathi,’ the Department of Telecommunications is reaffirming its commitment to nurturing a digitally inclusive society while maintaining top-tier security standards. By introducing these strategic reforms and leveraging advanced technology, the Department aims to elevate user safety and trust in the telecommunications realm, ensuring a resilient, secure, and dependable communication environment for all.