Government Launches Chakshu Portal to Combat Cyber Fraud via Phone Calls, SMS, and WhatsApp
Integration of Chakshu and DIP Portals into Government’s Sanchar Saathi Platform
The Chakshu portal, unveiled by the government of India, marks a significant step towards combating cyber fraud by providing citizens with a platform to report suspected instances of fraudulent communications. Launched alongside the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), the Chakshu portal is designed to facilitate real-time intelligence sharing and coordination among stakeholders, bolstering efforts to address cyber threats effectively. As part of the broader Sanchar Saathi initiative introduced to the public in May 2023, the Chakshu portal empowers individuals to report potentially fraudulent phone calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages, thereby enhancing citizen protection against cyber fraud.
Led by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the launch of the Chakshu portal underscores the government’s commitment to curbing telecom resource misuse and safeguarding citizens against cyber threats. Union Minister of Communications, and Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the initiative, emphasizing its role in strengthening cybersecurity measures and enhancing public awareness of potential cyber risks. By leveraging advanced technologies and robust reporting mechanisms, the Chakshu portal aims to proactively identify and address suspected instances of cyber fraud, fostering a safer digital environment for all.
The Chakshu portal serves as a vital tool in the fight against cyber fraud, enabling individuals to report suspicious communications promptly and efficiently. While the platform is not intended to address financial fraud or cybercrimes that have already been perpetrated, it plays a crucial role in preventing potential scams and protecting individuals from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
By providing citizens with the means to report fraudulent phone calls, SMS, and WhatsApp messages, the Chakshu portal empowers individuals to contribute to the collective effort to combat cyber fraud, reinforcing the government’s commitment to promoting cybersecurity and ensuring the safety and security of digital communications.
Using the platform is fairly simple. There is a single-page form that users need to fill out in order to report a potential cybercrime. First, users need to visit the portal, which can be accessed here. Click on Continue to report to move to the next screen. There, users need to fill out multiple details.
Information such as the medium of communication, category of suspected fraud, date and time, and details of the communications need to be filled out. Users will also have to attach a screenshot of the suspected communication. It can be a message or a screenshot of the call log. The attachment should not be more than 1MB in size.
