The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) utilized an artificial intelligence and big data analytics tool named ASTR to detect and deactivate 88 lakh suspicious mobile connections in efforts to combat cyber frauds. Union MoS Communications and Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani disclosed that these connections failed reverification and were subsequently disconnected. Additionally, the Chakshu facility of Sanchar Saathi empowers citizens to report suspected fraud communications, aiding in curbing the misuse of telecom resources.
Around 50.90 lakh mobile connections were disconnected by July 15, 2026, based on 11.18 lakh reports of suspected fraud communications submitted through the Chakshu facility on Sanchar Saathi. The Ministry of Communications highlighted that the Department of Telecommunications relies on crowd-sourced data analysis rather than individual submissions for its actions. Moreover, under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, cybercrime matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Despite this allocation, DoT introduced the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) to facilitate bi-directional information sharing with stakeholders, including the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) of MHA, to prevent the misuse of telecom resources for cybercrimes and financial frauds. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued advisories to its regulated entities to join the DIP for information sharing. DoT conducted sessions on DIP for SEBI’s regulated entities, with over 50 entities already onboarded on the platform.
The National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC), managed by CERT-In, monitors cyberspace to identify cybersecurity threats and shares this information with relevant organizations, state governments, and stakeholder agencies for necessary actions.
