Cybercrime has become a growing menace, with fraudsters exploiting pre-paid SIM cards to carry out scams, financial fraud, and identity theft. Recognizing the severity of the issue, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Telecom Secretary to deliberate on measures to curb fraudulent calls and cybercrimes facilitated through mobile networks.

The Court’s Concern: Cybercrime Cannot Be Ignored

Justice Anoop Chitkara, presiding over the case, emphasized that cybercrime affects people across all demographics—irrespective of religion, education, or class. The court noted that fraudulent calls, often originating from pre-paid SIM cards, have led to widespread financial losses and emotional distress for victims.

The court rejected the notion that reports of cybercrime should be dismissed as mere “agendas”, stressing that the issue demands urgent intervention from telecom authorities.

Key Issues Highlighted by the Court

The Punjab and Haryana High Court outlined several concerns regarding fraudulent calls:

• Pre-Paid SIM Card Abuse: Fraudsters often use multiple pre-paid SIM cards to evade detection.
• Unauthorized OTP Authorization: Scammers exploit voice-based OTP verification using VPNs to bypass security measures.
• Lack of Regulatory Oversight: The absence of stringent telecom regulations allows criminals to operate unchecked.

Proposed Solutions: Strengthening Cybercrime Prevention

The court has urged the Telecom Secretary to explore policy changes that could mitigate cyber fraud risks. Some potential measures include:

• Limiting Pre-Paid SIM Cards: Restricting individuals to a single pre-paid SIM card to prevent misuse.
• Enhanced Verification Protocols: Implementing stricter KYC (Know Your Customer) norms for SIM card issuance.
• Blocking Fraudulent Calls: Introducing automatic call filtering for suspected scam numbers.

The Bigger Picture: Cybersecurity in Telecommunications

The Telecommunications Act of 2023 has introduced new provisions to combat cyber fraud, but the court insists that more proactive measures are needed. The Ministry of Telecommunication has been directed to file a response detailing steps taken to curb cybercrime and future strategies for securing mobile networks.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Safer Digital Communication

The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s intervention signals a critical shift in cybercrime enforcement. By holding telecom authorities accountable, the judiciary aims to protect consumers from digital fraud and restore public confidence in mobile communications.

As cybercriminals evolve, so must our defences. Strengthening telecom regulations and enforcing robust cybersecurity measures will be key to preventing fraudulent calls and safeguarding digital transactions.