Govt Directs Platforms to Remove Apps Enabling CLI Spoofing
In a significant move to combat cyber fraud, the Indian government has issued an advisory to social media and app hosting platforms, directing them to remove applications enabling Caller Line Identification (CLI) spoofing. This directive aims to curb fraudulent activities that have been on the rise, with offenders facing imprisonment or hefty fines. The platforms have been given a deadline of February 28 to comply with the order and submit a report.
CLI spoofing is a technique used by fraudsters to disguise the source of a phone call or SMS, making it difficult for recipients to identify the true caller. This has led to numerous cases of phishing, scams, and other fraudulent activities, putting millions of users at risk. The government’s move is a welcome step in addressing this issue and protecting citizens from the menace of cyber fraud.
The advisory, issued by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), specifically targets platforms that host or allow apps that enable CLI spoofing. These platforms include social media giants like Facebook and Telegram, as well as app stores like Google Play and Apple App Store. The order is clear: any app that allows CLI spoofing must be removed from the platform by the given deadline.
Offenders who fail to comply with the directive will face severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines of up to Rs 50 lakh (approximately $70,000 USD). This is a significant step in cracking down on cyber fraud and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The government’s decision to take action against CLI spoofing is a response to growing concerns about the increasing number of fraudulent activities in the country. In recent years, there has been a surge in cases of phishing, scam calls, and other types of cyber fraud, causing significant financial losses and emotional distress to victims.
One of the main reasons for the rise in CLI spoofing is the ease with which fraudsters can create fake caller IDs. This allows them to disguise their true identity and make it seem like they are calling from a legitimate source. The government’s move to ban CLI spoofing apps is aimed at disrupting this process and making it more difficult for fraudsters to carry out their nefarious activities.
The advisory has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, with many platform operators scrambling to comply with the directive. Facebook and Telegram, two of the most popular social media platforms in India, have already taken steps to remove apps that enable CLI spoofing from their platforms.
In a statement, Facebook said, “We take the security and integrity of our platform very seriously. We are committed to working with the government to ensure that our platform is not used for fraudulent activities.”
Telegram, which has a large user base in India, has also announced that it will comply with the directive and remove any apps that enable CLI spoofing from its platform.
The government’s move to ban CLI spoofing apps is a significant step in the right direction. It is a clear indication that the government is serious about combating cyber fraud and protecting citizens from the growing threat of online scams.
As the deadline approaches, it remains to be seen how effectively the platforms will comply with the directive. However, one thing is certain: the government’s move to ban CLI spoofing apps is a welcome step in the fight against cyber fraud, and it is likely to have a significant impact on the prevalence of fraudulent activities in the country.
