Chakshu: India’s New Weapon Against Spam Calls & Fraud

The increasing problem of spam calls and online fraud has become a major concern for citizens in India. In response to this growing threat, the Indian government has launched the Chakshu platform as part of its ongoing efforts to combat fraudulent communications and protect citizens from financial losses.

Chakshu Platform

What is the Chakshu Platform?

The Chakshu platform is a new initiative launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) as part of the Sanchar Saathi portal. It is designed to empower citizens to report suspected fraud communications received via calls, SMS, or social media platforms like WhatsApp.

The platform works in conjunction with the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), a secure and integrated system that facilitates information exchange and coordination among various stakeholders, including telecom service providers, law enforcement agencies, banks, and financial institutions.

How Does Chakshu Work?

Chakshu allows citizens to proactively report any suspicious or fraudulent communication they receive, such as those related to KYC updates, bank account or payment wallet expiry, SIM deactivation, or impersonation of government officials.

Once a report is submitted, the system initiates a re-verification process. If the user fails to complete the re-verification, their number is disconnected, effectively preventing further misuse of the telecom resources.

Who Benefits from Chakshu?

The Chakshu platform brings together multiple stakeholders, including telecom companies, law enforcement agencies, banks, and financial institutions, to create a collaborative approach in curbing the misuse of telecom resources.

Private firms like Truecaller are also involved in the initiative, and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is developing a dedicated app for Chakshu to streamline the reporting process.

Digital Intelligence Platform?

Digital Intelligence Platform is launched alongwith Chakshu platform, The Digital Intelligence Platform gives ability to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing among the various stakeholders involved. The Digital Intelligence Platform also contains information regarding the cases detected as misuse of telecom resources.

This collaborative approach ensures that all parties have access to the most up-to-date information on fraudulent activities, enabling them to take swift action to prevent further misuse of telecom resources.

How to Report Fraud Calls and Messages Using Chakshu?

To report a suspected fraud call or message using Chakshu, users can follow these simple steps:

1. Log in to the Sanchar Saathi portal at sancharsaathi.gov.in
2. Select the ‘Chakshu’ option under the ‘Citizen Centric Services’ window
3. Read through the disclaimer and uses of Chakshu, then click on ‘continue for reporting’
4. Fill out the form with details such as the medium, category, and timing of the suspected fraud communication
5. Add your personal details, verify with an OTP, and submit your complaint

What is the Sanchar Saathi Portal?

The Sanchar Saathi portal is a comprehensive platform that offers various citizen-centric facilities related to telecom services. Since its launch, the portal has had a significant impact, with over 4 crore (40 million) visitors and 59 lakh (5.9 million) fraudulent connections disconnected based on user feedback, inputs from law enforcement agencies, banks, and other organizations.

How Has DoT intiatives Impacted Cybersecurity?

Since the implementation of various initiatives by the Department of Telecommunications, 1 crore+ (10 million) mobile connections have been disconnected, and 14 lakh mobile handsets have been blocked for their involvement in cybercrimes.

These efforts have resulted in saving an estimated ₹1,000 crore (approximately $120 million) for Indian citizens. The Chakshu platform and the DIP will now play a crucial role in enhancing overall telecom security by enabling swift action against fraudulent activities.

Final Thoughts

The launch of the Chakshu platform marks a significant step forward in India’s fight against spam calls and online fraud. By empowering citizens to report suspicious communications and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, Chakshu aims to create a safer digital environment for all. As the platform continues to grow and evolve, it is essential for citizens to remain vigilant and actively participate in reporting fraudulent activities to help protect themselves and others from financial losses and cybercrime.