• DoT’s Sanchar Saathi platform allows users to report fraud calls and messages, track mobile connections, and block lost devices.
  • WhatsApp will create multilingual educational materials on scams and fraud prevention, available in Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Gujarati.

In a significant move to safeguard citizens from rising cyber threats, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has joined forces with Meta-owned WhatsApp to curb the misuse of telecom resources for digital fraud and scams.

This collaboration builds on Meta’s existing "Scam Se Bacho" campaign, aiming to educate users on identifying and reporting suspicious messages and calls.

Strengthening Cybersecurity with Sanchar Saathi

To bolster this initiative, DoT has launched Sanchar Saathi, a digital intelligence and citizen-centric platform available at sancharsaathi.gov.in and via a mobile app. The platform allows users to report fraudulent calls and messages, monitor their mobile connections, and track or block lost devices.

DoT’s Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) further supports this effort by sharing data on telecom misuse with over 550 organizations, including law enforcement agencies and banks, to prevent cybercrime and financial fraud.

Training Programs to Boost Awareness

A key component of the initiative is conducting train-the-trainer workshops for DoT officials, Sanchar Mitras, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), and field units. WhatsApp will also explore ways to integrate Sanchar Saathi services within its platform, ensuring broader citizen engagement.

High-Level Support and Strategic Collaboration

Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, Joel Kaplan, recently met with Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister of Communications, to assess the partnership’s progress. WhatsApp is also working with DoT’s Digital Intelligence Unit to take proactive measures against telecom-related cybercrime.

Expanding Digital Safety Measures

As part of the collaboration, WhatsApp will develop multilingual educational materials to help users recognize and report scams. These resources will be available in Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Gujarati, ensuring accessibility across India.

This partnership marks a crucial step in India’s digital safety journey, reinforcing efforts to create a more secure online ecosystem.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah