Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has collaborated with WhatsApp, Meta’s instant messaging platform, to launch ‘Scam Se Bacho’ campaign. This initiative is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness against online scams, spam, and cyber frauds, leveraging its widespread user base to enhance digital safety and awareness in India.
About ‘Scam Se Bacho’ Campaign:
OBJECTIVE:
- Combat Cyber Fraud: Protect users from phishing, online scams, and fraudulent messages.
- Enhance Digital Safety: Educate users about safe digital practices, such as avoiding suspicious links, verifying information, and reporting scam messages.
KEY FEATURES
Educating Citizens on Online Scams:
- The campaign aims to help individuals identify and report online scams and spam.
- Citizens will be made aware of tactics to avoid fake calls, messages, and digital threats.
Workshops and Awareness Programs:
- Train-the-trainer workshops will be conducted for DoT officials, Sanchar Mitras, telecom service providers (TSPs), and field units.
- These workshops will strengthen on-ground awareness about online scams.
Integration with Sanchar Saathi:
WhatsApp will explore integrating DoT’s Sanchar Saathi services within its platform, enabling users to seamlessly access features to manage telecom safety.
Educational Resources in Multiple Languages:
- Informative materials will be developed to educate users on different types of online fraud, warning signs, and reporting mechanisms.
- These resources will be available in Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, and more, ensuring wider reach and accessibility.
Background of ‘Scam Se Bacho’ Campaign:
The campaign builds on WhatsApp’s earlier collaboration with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) IN 2024. This partnership was aimed at tackling rising cyber fraud and scam cases in India.
WhatsApp’s Role in Combating Cyber Threats:
- WhatsApp is working closely with DoT’s Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) to identify and act against telecom-related cybercrime, helping curb the misuse of telecom resources.
- The campaign reinforces WhatsApp’s commitment to providing users with a safer digital experience through collaboration with government bodies and law enforcement.
DoT’s Other Key Initiatives to Combat Cybercrime:
- Sanchar Saathi Portal and Mobile App: A citizen-centric portal and app allowing users to:
- Report fraudulent calls and messages.
- Manage mobile connections to detect any unauthorized use.
- Trace lost or stolen devices.
- Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP): Facilitates intelligence-sharing with over 550 stakeholders, including banks and law enforcement agencies, enabling swift action against telecom-related cyber threats.