Intelligence unit and a consumer protection system Is to be launched by Central Government

It will be set up in the effort to tackle the threats associated with the pesky calls

• The telecom ministry will set up an intelligence unit and a consumer protection system in India
• It is to tackle the menace of pesky calls as well as to take strict action against financial frauds perpetrated using telecom resources
• This was announced after a high-level meeting, chaired by Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, held to discuss ways to make digital transactions more secure and reliable

Background for the move

• The move follows a direction from telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who chaired a high level meeting to look at ways to address rising concerns of consumers over unsolicited messages on mobile phones
• It also focuses on the repeated harassment through SMSes promising loan transactions through fraudulent ways
• It is also aimed at making digital transactions more safe and secure
• The ministry directed officials to take strict action against erring telemarketers and individuals involved in harassment of telecom subscribers
• The ministry observed that telecom resources are also being used to carry out financial frauds and dupe the common man of his hard-earned money
• Clear directions were issued to the officials to take strict and tangible action to stop such activities immediately

Salient Highlights of the Consumer Protection System

• Accordingly, a nodal agency named as Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) will be set up
• The main function of the DIU will be to coordinate with various LEAs (Law Enforcement Agencies), financial institutions and telecom service providers in investigating any fraudulent activity involving telecom resources
• 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
• The system would help make digital financial transactions, primarily through mobile, more secure and reliable
• At the license service area level, Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management and Consumer Protection (TAFCOP) system will also be created
• The above system will strengthen the trust of people in the digital ecosystem and will make financial digital transactions primarily through mobile more secure and reliable, which will result in promotion of Digital India
• In case of any violation, imposing financial penalty on telemarketers and disconnecting resources in case of repetitive violations have also been proposed
• It will devise special strategies, including blocking of telecom operations due to rising concern in Jamtara (Jharkhand) and Mewat (Haryana) regions for curbing fraudulent activities involving usage of telecom resources
• Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

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