'On national security issues, there can be no compromise.'
App-based communication services providers and Indian telcos are at loggerheads over the SIM-binding directions issued by the department of telecom, which are to be complied with by the end of February 2026.
The outcome of the investigations essentially formed the basis for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to issue a sweeping directive on November 28 last year, mandating that app-based communication services like WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal must be continuously linked to an active, physical SIM card within the device.
The missive has, however, polarised stakeholders, with mobile operators under COAI coming out in its support, while digital platforms under the aegis of Broadband India Forum expressing "serious concerns" around overreach and calling for a pause in implementation of timelines.
The Indian government has directed app-based communication services like WhatsApp and Telegram to ensure continuous linkage to a user's active SIM card to combat cyber fraud. Non-compliance will result in penalties under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Counter Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) conducted searches at various places in six districts of the valley in connection with misuse of SIM cards by terror operatives.
Three individuals have been arrested in Shivamogga, Karnataka, in connection with a nationwide cyber fraud operation involving over Rs 82 crore and 352 registered complaints.
Delhi Police arrested 27 individuals across 11 states for involvement in cyber fraud cases exceeding Rs 1.5 crore, uncovering a network engaged in various scams including investment fraud and social media impersonation.
Gurugram police arrested three men, including an IIT student, for allegedly working with foreign-based cyber fraudsters, providing bank accounts and handling transactions for a commission.
A Thane court has sentenced a Sri Lankan national to rigorous imprisonment for illegally staying in India and ordered his deportation after the sentence.
Infinix has formally introduced the Infinix Xpad 30E, a budget-friendly tablet launched alongside its Note 60 smartphones in selected international markets.
Police in Saharanpur have arrested four individuals for allegedly plotting to fake the death of one of them to avoid a rape trial, involving the murder of a debtor and burning the body in a car.
Vivo has begun putting out teasers of its upcoming V70 line on the brand's India web site, hinting at a fresh entrant that could shake up the upper mid-range and flagship smartphone category.
He said that TEA will also conduct a meeting to raise awareness among exporters and domestic manufacturers to verify the identity of workers.
Sanjeev Yadav shares the story of how he met his wife, Damini. A Valentine's Week special.
Samsung has revealed a bespoke Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition, crafted solely for competitors at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games.
'Women in crime can turn on and off emotions like a tap.' 'Something that comes in the way of their goals can be eliminated without a second thought.'
'Instead of the government and telecom operators solving the mess of their own creation, they're telling us we need to give access to our phones perpetually.'
A retired soldier of Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh has been duped of Rs 98 lakh after being kept under 15 days 'digital arrest' by the fraudsters, officials said on Friday.
P V Sindhu, returning from a long injury lay-off, defeated Chinese-Taipei's Sung Shuo Yun in the opening round at the Malaysia Open.
Authorities in Kashmir have initiated a profiling process of mosques, madrassas, and individuals associated with their management following the exposure of a 'white collar' terror module. The enumeration drive focuses on the finances of these institutions and the backgrounds of their personnel.
With the music industry pushing for growth in the paid subscription segment, Universal Music India anticipates that the Indian market will mature, potentially becoming a highly impactful paid market for music over the next five years.
The matter has now been escalated and the ministry has written to Customs, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to investigate it thoroughly.
Delhi Police has arrested another accused in connection with an ongoing investigation into an espionage racket linked to Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs), an official said on Saturday.
The CBI has filed a chargesheet against 17 people, including four Chinese nationals, and 58 companies for their alleged roles in a transnational cyber fraud network that siphoned off over Rs 1,000 crore.
The officials found that his browsing history indicated an interest in the deployment of paramilitary forces in the Kashmir valley, prompting them to ascertain the purpose of his visit to the strategically important Zanskar region in Ladakh late last month.
The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to conduct a pan-India investigation into digital arrest scams and questioned the RBI about its lack of AI usage in detecting and freezing accounts used by cybercriminals.
According to the direction dated November 28, all mobile phones that will be manufactured in India or imported after 90 days from the date of issuing of the order will need to have the app.
Once the OS layer is opened to the State, it doesn't close, notes Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).
Jammu and Kashmir Police detained over 50 people for alleged involvement in anti-state activities following raids across multiple districts. The crackdown targeted separatist networks, overground workers, and individuals linked to Pakistan-based Kashmiri natives.
Investigation reveals Al Falah University's potential links to terror operatives, including a former student involved in multiple blasts and doctors arrested in connection with a recent terror plot.
A government doctor and his wife have been detained in Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly misusing their positions to mask unlawful activities, including radicalizing local women through social media.
Members of the terror module under scanner for the deadly blast near the Red Fort, relied on an unusual yet effective method of communication to avoid detection -- through unsent emails kept as drafts.
The government on Wednesday withdrew the order mandating pre-installation of cyber security app Sanchar Saathi on smartphones by manufacturers.
While multiple agencies are currently probing the car blast in Delhi and the recently busted white collar terror module spread across at least three states, Faridabad Police has formed a separate Special Investigation Team to look into the activities of Al Falah University, several of whose doctors were arrested in connection with the high profile case.
Police investigation reveals doctors linked to Al Falah University used the Threema app to plan the Delhi blast. The app's encryption and private server capabilities made it difficult to trace their communications.
A man was arrested in Bihar's West Champaran district for allegedly making an extortion call to BJP's Lok Sabha chief whip Sanjay Jaiswal, demanding Rs 10 crore and threatening his son's life.
The tryst with instant fame began on June 28 when Manish, son of farmer Gajendra Bisi, purchased a new Jio SIM from a mobile shop in Deobhog, around 8 kilometres from his village.
Cyber fraudsters have duped Delhi residents of nearly Rs 1,000 crore so far this year, with investment scams, digital arrests and boss scams emerging as the most common cybercrimes.
Xiaomi has introduced the Redmi Pad 2 in the Indian market. The tablet includes facial recognition for unlocking, space for a microSD card, and an optional version that supports 4G connectivity through a SIM tray.
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