DoT warns citizens against IMEI tampering and telecom identifier misuse under Telecommunications Act 2023
Distilled Policy Brief
- Under Section 42(7) of the Act, these offenses are cognizable and non-bailable, and Section 42(6) extends the same penalties to individuals who aid or abet such offenses.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Key provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 regarding IMEI tampering, and the utility of the Sanchar Saathi portal.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Analyze the legal and technological frameworks established under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 to counter cyber fraud, identity theft, and secure India's telecommunication infrastructure.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the directives from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), consider the following statements: 1. Tampering with telecom identifiers (such as IMEI) and obtaining SIM cards through fraud or impersonation are cognizable and non-bailable offenses. 2. The statutory penalties of imprisonment up to three years and a fine up to Rs 50 lakh do not apply to individuals who aid or abet these offenses. 3. The Sanchar Saathi portal is the official digital initiative recommended for citizens to verify and secure their mobile connections and handsets. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Under Section 42(7) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, offenses related to tampering with telecom identifiers and obtaining SIMs through fraud, forgery, or impersonation are cognizable and non-bailable. Statement 2 is incorrect: Section 42(6) of the Act explicitly extends the same penalties (up to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to Rs 50 lakh) to individuals who aid or abet such offenses. Statement 3 is correct: The Department of Telecommunications advises citizens to use the Sanchar Saathi portal and mobile app to verify and secure their mobile connections and handsets.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.