The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has deactivated greater than 2.25 lakh mobile cellphone numbers in Bihar and Jharkhand in the month of April as majority of the SIM playing cards have been allegedly procured by way of cast paperwork.
The Telecom Service Providers have additionally blacklisted 517 Point of Sales (PoS) who’ve been prima facie discovered to be concerned in unethical and unlawful practices whereas issuing SIM playing cards.
According to a press release issued by the Special Director General Telecom, DoT (Licensed Service Areas-LSA-Bihar) right here, “In the month of April 2023 itself, greater than 2.25 lakh mobile numbers have been deactivated in each states. The majority of the SIM playing cards have been procured by way of unlawful/unethical means.
Over 500Â Point of Sales blacklisted
“Besides, 517 PoS have been blacklisted as they were 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”.
Jharkhand additionally comes beneath the jurisdiction of DoT’s LSA (Bihar). As per the most recent reviews obtained, FIRs in a number of districts of Bihar in addition to in Jharkhand have been lodged by the Telecom Service Providers, mentioned the assertion.Â
“The DoT, Patna Office is also in touch with the state police and has shared the intelligence devised out of artificial intelligence and facial recognition powered solution for telecom SIM Subscriber Verification (ASTR) analysis. The state police has also assured that suitable action will be initiated against SIM fraudsters (PoS/Subscribers)”, it mentioned.
Approximately seven crore SIM subscribers’ facial information of Bihar and Jharkhand has been analysed and actionable intelligence has been compiled, it added.
Cyber fraud: An enormous concern
“Further, DoT (Bihar) and Telecom Service Providers and state police have agreed to work in cohesion to nab the SIM fraudsters. With the increasing reliance on technology, cyber fraud has become a significant concern. SIM cards have also 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 types of offenders and victims on a daily basis”, mentioned the assertion.
It mentioned, “The Department of Telecommunications (New Delhi) taking the lead and to curb cyber menace has carried out facial analysis of more than 87 crore SIM subscribers across India. The analysis has been carried out using ASTR in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing. The result of the analysis has been shared with Department of Telecommunication field units to ensure action against SIM fraudsters with the help of Telecom Service Providers and state police”.
