Government to set up Intelligence Unit to tackle Frauds

The Union telecom ministry has decided to set up an intelligence unit and a consumer protection system. These systems will be set up in the effort to tackle the threats associated with the pesky calls. It would also help in taking strict action against the financial frauds that happens using telecom resources.

Background

The union telecom ministry decided to set up such system following a direction from the telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. The minister chaired a high-level meeting to find ways in order to address the rising concerns of consumers regarding the unsolicited messages on mobile phones, harassment through SMS pertaining to loan transactions in fraudulent ways. This move of the government aims to making digital transactions more safe and secure.

Stricter norms

• The Minister of Communication has directed officials to take strict action against telemarketers and individuals who are involved in harassment cases.
• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) also has regulations to check pesky calls. However, unregistered telemarketers still make calls to people causing fraudulent incidents.
• Delhi High Court has also directed Trai on February 3, 2021 to ensure complete and strict implementation of the regulation of 2018 to curb the Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC).

What is the plan?

Following the direction of ministry, a nodal agency called Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) will be set up. It will be tasked to coordinate with various Law Enforcement Agencies, financial institutions and telecom service providers in order to investigate any fraudulent activity that involves the telecom resources. Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP) system will also be created at the level of license service area. Thus, the system will help in strengthening the trust of people in the digital ecosystem which in turn will promote the Digital India mission.

Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC)

Any Commercial Communication that a subscriber opts not to receive are called UCC. However, it does not include any transactional message or any message transmitted as per the directions of Central Government or State Government or any agencies authorized by the government.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2021