The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a stern warning to spammers and miscreants, cautioning them against the misuse of telecom resources. This advisory comes as part of broader efforts to combat spam and cyber fraud, emphasizing the legal consequences of tampering with or spoofing telecommunication identifiers.

The DoT has observed various tactics used by fraudsters to misuse telecom resources, including tampering with mobile numbers, IP addresses, IMEIs, and SMS headers. These activities often involve acquiring SIM cards through fake documents or personation, which is an offense under the Telecommunication Act, 202345.

Under the Telecommunication Act, 2023, tampering with telecommunication identifiers is punishable with imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to ₹50 lakh, or both. The Act also provides for similar penalties for those who abet such offenses.

In addition to these warnings, the DoT has implemented various initiatives to prevent the misuse of telecom resources for cybercrime and financial frauds. This includes the International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System, which blocks millions of spoofed calls daily.

Parallel to the DoT’s initiatives, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has also intensified its crackdown on spam calls and messages. TRAI has introduced new rules with graded penalties for telecom operators who misreport spam counts, ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh per violation.

These combined efforts by the DoT and TRAI aim to enhance consumer protection by reducing unwanted communications and improving the overall user experience in India’s telecom sector.

The DoT’s warning to spammers highlights the government’s commitment to combating telecom resource misuse and spam. As both the DoT and TRAI continue to implement stricter regulations and penalties, India is taking significant steps towards reducing spam and enhancing consumer safety in the digital age.
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Key Highlights:

• Warning Overview: The DoT warns spammers of stringent penalties for misusing telecom resources.
• Misuse of Resources: Includes tampering with mobile numbers, IP addresses, IMEIs, and SMS headers.
• Legal Consequences: Offenses are punishable under the Telecommunication Act, 2023, with imprisonment and fines.
• Industry Initiatives: Both DoT and TRAI are working to combat spam through new regulations and technologies.