DoT Asks Platforms To Remove Caller ID Spoofing Content and Apps

Moneylife Digital Team 19 February 2025

Investor Interest

Highlighting concerns over the misuse of social media and online applications for altering calling line identification (CLI) or spoofing caller ID, the department of telecommunications (DoT) directed social media platforms and application hosting platforms to remove, by the end of this month, content and applications that facilitate caller ID spoofing. This move aims to curb telecommunication fraud and ensure compliance with the Telecommunication Act 2023.

In an advisory, DoT noted that an influencer recently shared methods to manipulate CLI numbers, allowing users to display false caller IDs when making calls. Such actions, it stated, constitute tampering with telecommunication identification, which is explicitly prohibited under Section 42 (3) (c) of the Telecommunication Act, 2023.

The Act also bars individuals from obtaining telecom identifiers, including subscriber identity modules (SIMs), through fraudulent means, such as cheating or impersonation, under Section 42 (3) (e). Violations of these provisions are categorised as cognisable and non-bailable offences under Section 42 (7) and can attract imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to Rs50 lakh, or both. Additionally, those found abetting such offences may face similar penalties under Section 42 (6).

As part of the advisory, DoT has mandated that social media and application hosting platforms take immediate action to remove any content or applications that promote the tampering of telecom identifiers, such as CLI, IP addresses, or IMEI numbers. The directive warns that entities creating or promoting such content could also face legal action under Section 42 of the Act.

Platforms have been given a deadline of 28 February 2025 to comply with the advisory and submit a compliance report to the DoT via email at [email protected]. Failure to adhere to these instructions could result in further regulatory actions.

DoT's action is expected to enhance safeguards against fraudulent telecommunications practices and protect consumers from potential scams.

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