Centre directs social media platforms to remove caller ID spoofing apps

In a decisive move to combat cyber fraud, the Indian government has directed social media and application hosting platforms to remove apps that enable caller ID spoofing. The advisory, issued by the Ministry of Communications, warns that such apps violate the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and are punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of ₹50 lakh, or both. Platforms must submit a compliance report to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) by February 28.

Caller ID spoofing, also known as Calling Line Identification (CLI) manipulation, is a fraudulent practice where a caller alters their phone number to appear as someone else. This deceptive technique is widely used by scammers to steal personal and financial information. The government's directive comes after a recent case where a social media influencer promoted an app that allowed users to change their CLI, raising concerns about its misuse.

The advisory states that any application tampering with telecom identifiers, such as CLI, IP addresses, or IMEI numbers, is facilitating illegal activities and violating the Telecommunications Act, 2023. It strictly instructs social media companies and app hosting platforms to ensure the removal of such applications from their platforms.

Cyber fraud cases involving caller ID spoofing have been on the rise, with scammers using these apps to impersonate banks, government officials, and trusted institutions to extract sensitive information. The government has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward telecom-related fraud and warned that platforms failing to comply could face legal consequences.

In addition to removing these fraudulent applications, the government has urged digital platforms to monitor and regulate content that promotes illegal manipulation of telecom identifiers. With increasing cyber threats, this step aims to enhance digital security and protect citizens from online fraud.

The deadline for social media platforms and app hosts to submit their compliance reports is February 28, 2025. This initiative aligns with India's broader efforts to strengthen cybercrime prevention and ensure a safer digital environment for users.