The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has adopted a proactive approach by suo motu blocking both overseas and local phone numbers linked to cybercrimes and threats, according to a report by The Economic Times. Over the last few days, more than 1,500 callers, including international numbers, have been blocked by the government based on complaints regarding such calls. The action was taken without waiting for approvals from intelligence agencies in response to the rising cases of fraud and threats committed through these numbers.
Among the blocked callers is designated terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who had made threats against the BSE, NSE, Air India, and the Indian Parliament. Upon becoming aware of these threats, the DoT promptly blocked the numbers associated with Pannun’s calls after verification from telecom operators and international gateways.
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Last week, the DoT directed Google, Apple, telecom operators, and internet service providers to block two eSIM apps—Airalo and Holafly. These apps, found to be used by fraudsters for cybercrimes, were removed from platforms.Â
To combat cyber crimes through telecom, the government requires mandatory verification of SIM card dealers, discontinuation of bulk connections, and registration requirements for franchisees, point-of-sale agents, and distributors.
— DoT India (@DoT_India) January 4, 2024
First Published: Jan 10 2024 | 11:45 AM IST