The central government introduced Sanchar Saathi, an artificial intelligence-based portal that allows telecom users to track and block their lost or stolen phones, even if a new SIM is inserted. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw formally unveiled the portal on May 16th 2023, and it is now available nationwide.
“Today, we’re announcing three reforms aimed at consumers. The initial leg is registered centrally managed identity equipment. Any telephone number can be uniquely identified in several ways. You can give your number on it after getting lost, and after speaking to law enforcement, your lost mobile will be blocked,” he said, as per reports.
He added that the second is to be familiar with one’s mobile. Vaishnaw elaborated, saying, “As citizens, it is our right that no one else uses a phone connection registered in our names. The KYC document is linked to your phone number. An AI algorithm will discover any phone connection made across the country in your name.
Astr is the third reform, which calculates how many connections each user has made using artificial intelligence (AI). Fraudsters frequently use a different identity or submit different photos for multiple phone connections. Astr was created to combat these dishonest tactics, and 870 mobile phone connections have since switched to it. It has been created and installed on 87 crore mobile connections to defend against these fraudulent activities. 40 lakh fraudulent connections have been found as a result of these efforts. 36 lakh of these connections has been severed.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched this integrated citizen-focused initiative to enhance the security of mobile users or subscribers nationwide. App users can check the validity of devices when purchasing a new or used mobile phone, learn about the mobile connections issued in their names, disconnect them if necessary, and learn about their history.
Various citizen-focused modules, including CEIR and TAFCOP, are included in the security portal. While Sanchar Saathi’s CEIR module enables users to block or track their stolen devices, TAFCOP allows users to check and disconnect mobile connection numbers.
Enhancing transparency, security, and accountability in the telecom industry is the goal of the Sanchar Saathi portal and its reforms. Utilizing technology and artificial intelligence gives citizens tools to safeguard their mobile connections and stop fraud.
If a new SIM card is inserted, users will be able to track their stolen phones or even block them, but they must first submit a police report on the portal.
The site https:/ceir.sancharsaathi.gov.in is used to enter personal information, such as the IMEI, brand, and purchase receipt for the respective mobile devices. Click the “lost information” at this point and include the location, time, and police complaint number where the device was lost. The mobile will be blocked in 24 hours after the person verifies the application by entering the OTP.
