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Introduction

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the 'Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP)'and the 'Chakshu' facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal to combat cybercrimes and financial frauds. Union telecom, IT and railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the initiatives, stating that the government has been working to counter cyber frauds at national, organizational, and individual levels. The Sanchar Saathi portal has successfully tackled such attacks, and the two new portals will further enhance the capacity to check any kind of cyber security threat.

The Digital Intelligence Platform is a secure and integrated platform for real-time intelligence sharing, information exchange, and coordination among stakeholders, including telecom operators, law enforcement agencies, banks, financial institutions, social media platforms, and identity document issuing authorities. It also contains information regarding cases detected as misuse of telecom resources.

The 'Chakshu' facility allows citizens to report suspected fraud communication received over call, SMS, or WhatsApp with the intention of defrauding, such as KYC expiry, bank account/payment wallet/SIM/gas connection/electricity connection, sextortion, impersonations a government official/relative for sending money, and disconnection of all mobile numbers by the Department of Telecommunications.

The launch of these proactive initiatives or steps represents another significant stride by the Ministry of Communications and the Department of Telecommunications in combating cybersecurity threats to citizens' digital assets.

In this age of technology, there is a reason to be concerned about the threats posed by cybercrooks to individuals and organizations. The risk of using digital means for communication, e-commerce, and critical infrastructure has increased significantly. It is important to have proper measures in place to prevent cybercrime and destructive behavior. The Department of Telecommunication has unveiled "Chakshu," a digital intelligence portal aimed at combating cybercrimes. This platform seeks to enhance the country's cyber defense capabilities by providing enforcement agencies with effective tools and actionable intelligence for countering cybercrimes, including financial frauds.

Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP)

Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) developed by the Department of Telecommunications is a secure and integrated platform for real-time intelligence sharing, information exchange and coordination among the stakeholders i.e. Telecom Service Providers(TSPs), law enforcement agencies (LEAs), banks and financial institutions(FIs), social media platforms, identity document issuing authorities etc. The portal also contains information regarding the cases detected as misuse of telecom resources. The shared information could be useful to the stakeholders in their respective domains. It also works as a backend repository for the citizen-initiated requests on the Sanchar Saathi portal for action by the stakeholders. The DIP is accessible to the stakeholders through secure connectivity, and the relevant information is shared based on their respective roles. However, the platform is not accessible to citizens.‍

What is Chakshu?

Chakshu, which means “eye” in Hindi, is a new feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal. This citizen-friendly platform allows you to report suspicious communication you receive via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp. “Chakshu” is a new advanced tool to safeguard against modern-day cybercriminal activities. Chakshu is a sophisticated design that uses the latest technologies for assembling and analyzing digital information and provides law enforcement agencies with useful data on what should be done next. Below are some of its attributes.

Here are some examples of what you can report:

-       Fraudulent messages claiming your KYC (Know Your Customer)details need to be updated.

-       Fraudulent requests to update your bank account, payment wallet, or SIM card details.

-       Phishing attempts impersonating government officials or relatives asking for money.

-       Fraudulent threats of disconnection of your sim connections.

How Chakshu Aims to crackdown Cybercrime and Financial Frauds

Chakshu is a new tool on the Sanchar Saathi platform that invites individuals to report suspected fraudulent communications received by phone, SMS, or WhatsApp. These fraudulent activities may include attempts to deceive individuals through schemes such as KYC expiry or update requests for bank accounts, payment wallets, SIM cards, gas connections, and electricity connections, sextortion, impersonation of government officials or relatives for financial gain, or false claims of mobile number disconnection by the Department of Telecommunications.

The tool is well-designed and equipped to help the investigators with actionable intelligence and insights, enabling LEAs to conduct targeted investigations on financial frauds and cyber-crimes; the tool helps in gathering a comprehensive data analysis and evidence collection capability by mapping out the connection between individuals, organizations and illicit activities, it, therefore, allows the law enforcement agencies in dismantling criminal activities and help the law enforcement agencies.

Chakshu’s Impact

India has launched Chakshu, a digital intelligence tool that strengthens the country's cybersecurity policy. Chakshu employs modern technology and real-time data analysis to enhance India's cyber defenses. Law enforcement can detect and neutralize possible threats by taking proactive approach to threat analysis and prevention before they become significant crises. Chakshu also improves the resilience of critical infrastructure and digital ecosystems, safeguarding them against cyber-attacks. Overall, Chakshu plays an important role in India's cybersecurity posture and the protection of national interests in the digital era.

Where can Chaksu be accessed?

Chakshu can be accessed through the government's Sanchar Saathi web portal:https://sancharsaathi.gov.in

Conclusion

The launch of the Digital Intelligence Platform and Chakshu facility is a step forward in safeguarding citizens from cybercrimes and financial fraud. These initiatives use advanced technology and stakeholder collaboration to empower law enforcement agencies. The Department of Telecommunications' proactive approach demonstrates the government's commitment to cybersecurity defenses and protecting digital assets, ensuring a safer digital environment for citizens and critical infrastructure.

References

• https://telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/dot-launches-digital-intelligence-portal-chakshu-facility-to-curb-cybercrimes-financial-frauds/108220814
• https://bankingfrontiers.com/digital-intelligence-platform-launched-to-curb-cybercrime-financial-fraud/
• https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/calcutta-hc-justice-abhijit-gangopadhyay-sends-his-resignation-to-prez-cji-124030500367_1.html
• https://www.the420.in/dip-chakshu-government-launches-powerful-weapons-against-cybercrime/
• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2011383

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Introduction

According to Statista, the global artificial intelligence software market is forecast to grow by around 126 billion US dollars by 2025. This will include a 270% increase in enterprise adoption over the past four years. The top three verticals in the Al market are BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance), Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Retail & e-commerce. These sectors benefit from vast data generation and the critical need for advanced analytics. Al is used for fraud detection, customer service, and risk management in BFSI; diagnostics and personalised treatment plans in healthcare; and retail marketing and inventory management.

The Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India’s Chief, Smt. Ravneet Kaur raised a concern that Artificial Intelligence has the potential to aid cartelisation by automating collusive behaviour through predictive algorithms. She explained that the mere use of algorithms cannot be anti-competitive but in case the algorithms are manipulated, then that is a valid concern about competition in markets.

This blog focuses on how policymakers can balance fostering innovation and ensuring fair competition in an AI-driven economy. 

What is the Risk Created by AI-driven Collusion?

AI uses predictive algorithms, and therefore, they could lead to aiding cartelisation by automating collusive behaviour. AI-driven collusion could be through:

• The use of predictive analytics to coordinate pricing strategies among competitors.
• The lack of human oversight in algorithm-induced decision-making leads to tacit collusion (competitors coordinate their actions without explicitly communicating or agreeing to do so).

AI has been raising antitrust concerns and the most recent example is the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI, which has raised concerns among other national competition authorities regarding potential competition law issues. While it is expected that the partnership will potentially accelerate innovation, it also raises concerns about potential anticompetitive effects such as market foreclosure or the creation of barriers to entry for competitors and, therefore, has been under consideration in the German and UK courts. The problem here is in detecting and proving whether collusion is taking place. 

The Role of Policy and Regulation

The uncertainties induced by AI regarding its effects on competition create the need for algorithmic transparency and accountability in mitigating the risks of AI-driven collusion. It leads to the need to build and create regulatory frameworks that mandate the disclosure of algorithmic methodologies and establish a set of clear guidelines for the development of AI and its deployment. These frameworks or guidelines should encourage an environment of collaboration between competition watchdogs and AI experts. 

The global best practices and emerging trends in AI regulation already include respect for human rights, sustainability, transparency and strong risk management. The EU AI Act could serve as a model for other jurisdictions, as it outlines measures to ensure accountability and mitigate risks. The key goal is to tailor AI regulations to address perceived risks while incorporating core values such as privacy, non-discrimination, transparency, and security.

Promoting Innovation Without Stifling Competition

Policymakers need to ensure that they balance regulatory measures with innovation scope and that the two priorities do not hinder each other. 

1. Create adaptive and forward-thinking regulatory approaches to keep pace with technological advancements that take place at the pace of development and allow for quick adjustments in response to new AI capabilities and market behaviours.n
2. Competition watchdogs need to recruit domain experts to assess competition amid rapid changes in the technology landscape. Create a multi-stakeholder approach that involves regulators, industry leaders, technologists and academia who can create inclusive and ethical AI policies. 
3. Businesses can be provided incentives such as recognition through certifications, grants or benefits in acknowledgement of adopting ethical AI practices. 
4. Launch studies such as the CCI’s market study to study the impact of AI on competition. This can lead to the creation of a driving force for sustainable growth with technological advancements. 

Conclusion: AI and the Future of Competition

We must promote a multi-stakeholder approach that enhances regulatory oversight, and incentivising ethical AI practices. This is needed to strike a delicate balance that safeguards competition and drives sustainable growth. As AI continues to redefine industries, embracing collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking policies will be critical to building an equitable and innovative digital future. 

The lawmakers and policymakers engaged in the drafting of the frameworks need to ensure that they are adaptive to change and foster innovation. It is necessary to note that fair competition and innovation are not mutually exclusive goals, they are complementary to each other. Therefore, a regulatory framework that promotes transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI deployment must be established.

References

• https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/ai-has-potential-to-aid-cartelisation-fair-competition-integral-for-sustainable-growth-cci-chief/article69041922.ece 
• https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/artificial-intelligence-market-74851580.html 
• https://www.ey.com/en_in/insights/ai/how-to-navigate-global-trends-in-artificial-intelligence-regulation#:~:text=Six%20regulatory%20trends%20in%20Artificial%20Intelligence&text=These%20include%20respect%20for%20human,based%20approach%20to%20AI%20regulation. ‍
• https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/ai-has-potential-to-aid-fair-competition-for-sustainable-growth-cci-chief-124122900221_1.html

Introduction

Whatsapp is one of the leading OTT messaging platforms, which has been owned by the tech giant Meta since 2013. WhatsApp enjoys a user base of nearly 2.24 billion people globally, with almost 487 million users in India. Since the advent of Whatsapp, it has been the most commonly used messaging app, and it has made an impact to such an extent that it is used for professional as well as personal purposes. Meta powers the platform and follows similar guidelines and policies as its parent company.

The New Feature

Users of WhatsApp on the web and desktop can now access one account from various devices. One WhatsApp account may now be used on up to four handsets thanks to a new update from Meta. Be aware that the multi-device capability has been planned for some time and is finally being made available to stable WhatsApp users. Each linked device (up to four devices can be linked) will function independently, and the independent devices will continue to receive messages even if the central device’s network connection is lost. Remember that WhatsApp will automatically log out of all the companion devices if the primary smartphone is dormant for an extended period. Four more gadgets may be a mix of four PCs and smartphones or four smartphones. This feature is now available for updates and downloads on Android as well as iOS platforms.

Potential issues

As we go deeper into the digital age, it is the responsibility of the tech giants to pilot innovation with features of security by design. Thus such new features should be accompanied by coherent safety and security policies or advisories to ensure the users understand the implications of the new features. Convenience over conditions is an essential part of cyberspace. It points to the civic duty of netizens to go through the conditions of any app rather than only focus on the convenience it creates. The following potential issues may arise from the new features on Whatsapp –

• Increased cybercrime- The bad actors now do not need to access SIM cards to commit frauds over the platforms as now on a single number 4 devices can be used hence the cybercriminal activity can increase over the platform. It is also pertinent for the platform to create SoPs for fake accounts which use multiple devices, as they pose a direct threat to the users and their interests.
• Difficulty in identifying and tracing- The LEAs will face a significant issue in identifying the bad actors and tracing them as the individual’s involvement through a linked device needs to be given legal validity and scope for investigation. This may also cause issues in evidence handling and analysis.
• Surge in Misinformation and Disinformation- With access to multiple devices, the screen time of an individual is also bound to increase. This leads to more time spent online, thus causing a rise in instances of misinformation and disinformation by bad actors. Thus the aspect of fack checking is of prime importance.
• Potential Oversharing of Personal Data- With the increased accessibility on different devices, it is very easy for the app to seek data from all devices on which the app is running, thus leading to a bigger reservoir of personal data for the platforms and data fiduciaries.
• Higher risk of Phishing, Ransomware and Malware Attacks- As the devices under the same login credentials and mobile number will increase, the message can be viewed on all the devices, thus increasing the risk of widespread embedded ransomware and malware in multiple devices is and ever-present threat.
• One number, more criminals- This feature will allow cybercriminals to operate using one device only, earlier they used to forge Adhaar cards to get new sims, but this feature will enable the bad actors to commit crimes and attacks from one single SIM using 4 different devices.
• Rise in Digital Footprint- As the number of devices increases, the users will generate more digital footprints. As a tech giant, Meta will have access to a bigger database, which increases the risk of data breaches by third-party actors.

Conclusion

In the fast-paced digital world, it is important to remain updated about new software, technologies and policies for our applications or forms of tech. This was a long-awaited feature from WhatsApp, and its value of it doesn’t lie in technological advancement only but also in the formulation of policies to govern this technology towards the trust and safety aspect of users. The platforms, in synergy with the policy makers, need to create a robust framework to accommodate the new features and add-ons on apps vehicle, staying in compliance with the laws of the land. Awareness about new features and vulnerabilities is a must for all netizens, and it is a shared responsibility for all netizens to spread the word about safety and security mechanisms.