Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has collaborated with WhatsApp to extend ‘Scam Se Bacho,’ Meta’s safety campaign against online scams and spam. As part of the collaboration, DoT and WhatsApp will work together to educate citizens on identifying and reporting suspected fraud communications in an effort to enhance digital safety and awareness.
Joel Kaplan, chief global affairs officer, Meta met Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister, Communication and Development of North East Region to discuss the effectiveness of ongoing collaboration of DoT and Meta. WhatsApp is collaborating with Digital Intelligence Unit of DoT and using the information provided by through Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) for proactive action on misuse of telecom resources for cybercrime and financial frauds.
In a significant step to enhance digital safety and awareness on ground, the initiative will include train-the-trainer workshops for DoT officials, Sanchar Mitras, telecom service providers (TSPs), and field units. WhatsApp will also work with DoT to explore ways to build citizen centric services of Sanchar Saathi initiatives through WhatsApp platform for wider reach of Sanchar Saathi.
As part of the partnership, WhatsApp will also develop informative assets in collaboration with DoT to educate users on how to identify and report online scams and spam. These will cover different types of fraud, warning signs, and reporting mechanisms available on the Sanchar Saathi. All user safety materials will be translated into regional languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Gujarati to maximize accessibility.
Commenting on the partnership, Jyotiraditya Scindia said, “As India advances on its path of digital transformation, ensuring the safety and security of our citizens remains a top priority. Our partnership with Meta strengthens this commitment to protect our people from fraudulent communications and cyber threats. By harnessing WhatsApp’s vast digital reach, we are strengthening efforts to ensure that our digital ecosystem remains secure and resilient for all”
Meanwhile, Joel Kaplan, said, “The best way to stop people falling victim to scams and online fraud is to make sure they know what to look out for and what they can do to stay safe. That is why Meta invests a great deal in technology and resources to try and stay ahead of the scammers and give people the information they need. By working with the DoT, we can combine our technological expertise with the government’s commitment to citizen safety and help give Indians the knowledge they need to stay safe.”
