The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched an AI-based system called ASTR, designed to identify and block SIM cards issued using fraudulent documents. This system is based on facial recognition technology and will help prevent SIM fraud, thereby enhancing user security.
ASTR System: In a significant step to protect mobile users in the country, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has taken action. The responsibility of identifying and blocking SIM cards obtained through fraudulent documents is now being assigned to Artificial Intelligence (AI). For this purpose, the DoT has developed a cutting-edge AI-based system, ASTR (Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition-based Subscriber Verification Tool), which will make the telecom sector fraud-free and secure.
What is ASTR and how does it work?
ASTR, or the AI-Based Facial Recognition Tool, is a system that verifies the authenticity of telecom customers based on their facial recognition.
When a new SIM card is issued or the data of existing customers is checked, ASTR uses AI technology to match the individual's submitted documents and facial photograph.
If the system suspects that the documents are fraudulent or the facial data does not match, the SIM will be automatically blocked. This will not only prevent fake SIMs but will also curb cases of fraud.
Curbing Cyber Fraud
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in cyber fraud cases in India. Crimes such as OTP fraud, fake bank calls, and KYC scams have particularly increased through fake SIM cards.
The DoT has stated that in recent times, over 4.2 crore SIM cards were found to have been taken on the basis of fake or illegal documents. These were used for fraudulent activities. Complaints about these numbers were received through the Sanchar Saathi portal, based on which they were blocked.
AI Shield to be the guardian of digital security
The DoT has named this entire system 'AI Shield', which will be a new and robust shield to protect the country's telecom network from fraud. It is not just a technical solution but is seen as a digital trust-building tool.
With the help of AI Shield, fake identification documents, duplicate photos, and biometric manipulations used for SIM fraud can now be detected.
Formation of a New Ecosystem
Under this initiative, the DoT has created a new ecosystem that brings together telecom companies, customer verification agencies, and security authorities, creating a b security framework.
Telecom operators will now be required to cross-check customer verification through AI tools. This entire process will be digital, fast, and accurate, leaving no room for human error or corruption.
Users will get a secure network
This initiative is not only for telecom operators but also a guarantee of security for general users. Users will now get relief from the frequent fake calls or fraud messages from unknown numbers.
Another advantage of the AI Shield will be that the distinction between genuine and fake consumers can be made even before SIM activation, thereby increasing transparency and trust in the system.
How it will work
- The customer provides their documents and photo to obtain a new SIM.
- The ASTR system uses AI to match the documents and face.
- If the match is successful, the SIM is activated; otherwise, the SIM is blocked.
- If irregularities are found in an already active SIM, it will be automatically deactivated.
The role of technology will increase in the future
The DoT says that this is just the beginning. In the coming time, tools like ASTR and AI Shield will be further improved so that SIM fraud can be eradicated by using biometric security, voice verification, and artificial intelligence-driven analytics.
