News Update

Cabinet nod for Incentive scheme for promotion of low-value BHIM-UPI transactionsCabinet approves Revised National Program for Dairy DevelopmentI-T - Interest paid to assessee u/s 244-A of Income Tax Act, will be recoverable, if appeal filed by I-T Department is decided against assessee: HCCabinet okays Greenfield Highway starting from JNPA Port to Chowk in MaharashtraCus - Detention of seized goods is invalid where no SCN was issued to assessee within 6-month limitation; no personal hearing granted either: HCCabinet approves implementation of revised Rashtriya Gokul MissionGST - Limitation of 60 days period prescribed u/s 62(2) appears to be directory in nature - Right to file returns cannot be taken away: HCCabinet approves new Brownfield Ammonia-Urea Complex Namrup IV Fertilizer PlantGST - Fake ITC availment - Court considers the nature and gravity of the accusation and grants bail: HCSunita Williams says She never dreamt of becoming astronaut in childhoodGST - Criminal prosecution - Second FIR can be valid if it concerns a different offence arising from the same facts: HCBus catches fire; 4 pax burnt to deathGST - Rejecting input tax credit claim due to a minor error, causes substantial harm to assessee: HCIt all began in 1860...Cus - Appellant's refund claim denied for excess CVD paid on imported mobile phones, holding that claim is time-barred, lacked reassessment and failed to prove that duty burden is not passed on to buyers: CESTATCustoms - Rules amended for administration of Rules of Origin under trade pactsCus - Royalty payments for manufacturing know-how are not related to imported goods and should not be added to assessable value: CESTATTrump, Putin agree for partial ceasefire if Ukraine okays itCus - SCN issued beyond the limitation period prescribed therefor, is not sustainable: CESTATDGTR releases findings in safeguard probe into imports of non-alloy and alloy steel flat productsCBIC notifies definitive anti-dumping duty on ‘Soft Ferrite Cores’ from ChinaCBDT notifies u/s 138 Addl Chief Secretary of Delhi for sharing information to identify eligible beneficiaries under social welfare schemesST - Amounts, being payments for premature termination of contract, are not considered service-related; thus not taxable under Section 66E of Finance Act, 1994: CESTATBoxing Federation tosses out SG and Treasurer after serious embezzlement charges levelledLIC urges RBI to issue 100-year Govt bondsIAEA Director General says India’s N-sector among most dynamicMexico City amends rules to make bullfights less harmfulTrump Administration releases rest of JFK assassination papersCredit Scheme for MSMEs provides 60% guarantee up to Rs 100 Cr
 
DoT, WhatsApp join hands to combat Digital Frauds and Scams

By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, MAR 18, 2025: DEPARTMENT of Telecommunications (DoT) collaborates with WhatsApp to extend 'Scam Se Bacho,' Meta's safety campaign against online scams and spam. As part of the collaboration, DoT and WhatsApp will work together to educate citizens on identifying & reporting suspected fraud communications in an effort to enhance digital safety and awareness.

DoT has taken various Initiatives to prevent misuse of telecom resources in cybercrime and financial frauds. A citizen centric Sanchar Saathi initiative in the form of portal (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in) & Mobile App has been developed to empower citizens to report suspect suspected fraud calls/messages, know their mobile connections and Block & Trace lost/ stolen mobile handsets among other facilities. Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) of DOT exchange bidirectional digital intelligence with 550 stakeholders like banks, LEAs, about misuse of telecom resources and subsequent action.

In a significant step to enhance digital safety and awareness on ground, the initiative will include train-the-trainer workshops for DoT officials, Sanchar Mitras, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), and field units. WhatsApp will also work with DoT to explore ways to build citizen centric services of Sanchar Saathi initiatives through WhatsApp platform for wider reach of Sanchar Saathi.

Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer, Meta met the Union Minister of Communication and Development of North East Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia today and discussed the effectiveness of ongoing collaboration of DoT and Meta. WhatsApp is collaborating with Digital Intelligence Unit of DoT and using the information provided by through DIP for proactive action on misuse of telecom resources for cybercrime and financial frauds.

Commenting on the partnership, the Union Minister of Communication and Development of North East Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "As India advances on its path of digital transformation, ensuring the safety and security of our citizens remains a top priority. Our partnership with Meta strengthens this commitment to protect our people from fraudulent communications and cyber threats. By harnessing WhatsApp's vast digital reach, we are strengthening efforts to ensure that our digital ecosystem remains secure and resilient for all"

Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer, Meta, added, "The best way to stop people falling victim to scams and online fraud is to make sure they know what to look out for and what they can do to stay safe. That's why Meta invests a great deal in technology and resources to try and stay ahead of the scammers and give people the information they need. By working with the Department of Telecommunications, we can combine our technological expertise with the government's commitment to citizen safety and help give Indians the knowledge they need to stay safe."

As part of the partnership, WhatsApp will also develop informative assets in collaboration with DoT to educate users on how to identify and report online scams and spam. These will cover different types of fraud, warning signs, and reporting mechanisms available on the Sanchar Saathi.  All user safety materials will be translated into regional languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Gujarati to maximize accessibility.

DoT is steadfastly committed to preventing the misuse of telecom resources by implementing advanced solutions and working closely with various stakeholders. Awareness of the citizens will help them keeping safe in the evolving digital ecosystem.

 


POST YOUR COMMENTS
   

TIOL Tube Latest

Shri Shailendra Kumar reading Citation for Sir Ratan Tata.



Shri Vijay Kumar delivering welcome address at TIOL Congress 2025.


Justice C V Bhadang addressing the gathering at TIOL Congress 2025.