New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has implemented an AI-based tool to identify mobile connections obtained through fraudulent documents, resulting in the disconnection of 78.33 lakh connections after reverification. In a written reply to a question regarding the number of mobile connections obtained thourgh fake documents or involved in cybercrime, in the Lok Sabha, the Minister for State for Communication and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chadra Sekhar, said that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has developed an AI-based tool for identification of mobile connections obtained on fake document. Additionally, 6.78 lakh connections were disconnected for involvement in cybercrime. To further strengthen the Know Your Customer (KYC) framework, DoT has mandated telecom licensees to register their Point of Sale (PoS) entities, such as franchisees, distributors, and agents who enroll customers and issue SIM cards. The new guidelines require indisputable verification of each PoS, biometric verification, and physical verification of their business and local residence addresses. In areas like Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and North East LSAs, PoS entities will also undergo police verification. Other key provisions include: Signing inter-se agreements defining PoS responsibilities and penal actions for violations. Blacklisting PoS across all telecom service providers if fraudulent activities or forged documents are detected. Re-verification of subscribers enrolled by blacklisted PoS.
A penalty of Rs 10 lakh per instance if PoS entities are found enrolling customers without registration after January 31, 2025. Additionally, DoT has amended its KYC procedures, discontinuing the bulk connections framework and introducing a mandatory KYC process for all new business connections and SIM swaps. Paper-based KYC will no longer be accepted starting January 1, 2024.
