Steps to Combat Cyber Fraud: AI Tool ASTR, Sanchar Saathi, DIP
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has developed an AI and Big Data analytics tool named ASTR to identify suspicious mobile connections, leading to disconnection of over 88 lakh connections by July 15, 2026. Additionally, the Sanchar Saathi platform's Chakshu feature enables citizens to report suspected fraudulent messages, resulting in 50.90 lakh disconnections based on 11.18 lakh reports. These measures were detailed in a Rajya Sabha reply by the Minister of State for Communications.
Background
Cyber fraud, especially using telecom resources, has been a growing concern in India. The government has been taking steps to curb misuse of telecom resources for cybercrimes and financial frauds. The DoT has developed the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) for bidirectional information sharing with stakeholders including the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Key facts
DoT developed ASTR (AI and Big Data analytics tool) to identify suspicious mobile connections.
Over 88 lakh mobile connections disconnected by July 15, 2026, after failing re-verification.
Sanchar Saathi's Chakshu feature allows citizens to report suspected fraudulent messages.
DoT uses collective data from reports for analysis, not individual action on each report.
Based on 11.18 lakh citizen reports on Sanchar Saathi, 50.90 lakh mobile connections were disconnected by July 15, 2026.
Cybercrime matters are allocated to Ministry of Home Affairs under Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.
Police and public order are state subjects under Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
DoT developed Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) for bidirectional info sharing with stakeholders including I4C.
SEBI advised its regulated entities to join DIP; over 50 such entities have joined.
DoT conducted sessions for SEBI-regulated entities on DIP.
Prelims pointers
- ASTR: AI and Big Data analytics tool by DoT for suspicious mobile connections
- Sanchar Saathi: citizen portal with Chakshu feature for reporting fraudulent messages
- Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP): bidirectional info sharing platform by DoT
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): under Ministry of Home Affairs
- SEBI: Securities and Exchange Board of India
- Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961
- Seventh Schedule of Constitution: Police and public order are state subjects
- Date: 15 July 2026 (as cut-off for disconnections)
- Rajya Sabha reply by Minister of State for Communications Dr. Chandra Shekhar Pemmasani
Mains angles
- GS2: Role of government in cybersecurity and coordination between Centre and states
- GS3: Use of AI and Big Data in law enforcement and cyber fraud prevention
- GS3: Challenges in regulating telecom resources for financial frauds
- GS2: Constitutional provisions on police and public order as state subjects vs. central initiatives