The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which is part of the government of India, disconnects 3.40 crore mobile numbers and 20,096 bulk SMS senders (Principal Entities—PEs) to tackle the menace of spam calls. It has been possible only through the Chakshu facility on the DOT’s Sanchar Sathi initiative. 

Using Sanchar Sathi's initiative, DoT conducts several analyses and takes action on telecom resources linked to misuse. In addition to mobile numbers and PEs, the department has successfully disengaged 16.97 lakh accounts with shared mobile connections from WhatsApp. 

Focusing on crowdsourced data

Analyzing data and trends of the concerned mobile number or the account becomes indispensable when it comes to blocking. So, to ensure the right approach, DoT uses crowd-sourced data to carry out analysis and to zero down on misuse of telecom resources against individuals reported suspected fraud communications. 

Read about earlier efforts of DoT to combat spam at: TRAI Mandates New Deadline for Compliance of Traceability Guidelines to Combat Spams

Further, the DoT and TSPs have also devised a system for near real-time identification and blocking of incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers that appear to be originating from India. 

Maintaining Transparency in Actions 

As part of the Sanchar Saathi initiative, DoT leverages AI-powered tools and big data analysis to detect suspected mobile connections registered with fake documents. The Sanchar Saathi portal dashboard details the actions taken based on this analysis. Usually, action is taken only after giving mobile users an opportunity for re-verification.

Safe and Secure Telecom Ecosystem 

Aligning with TRAI’s mission to curb spam, DoT has blacklisted over 800 entities and individuals, disconnecting more than 1.8 million mobile numbers and telecom resources. This decisive action strengthens efforts to eliminate spam and fraudulent commercial calls.

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The government and regulatory bodies are strictly committed to providing the people of India with a safe and secure telecom space.