India’s Chakshu Portal Empowers Citizens to Report Fraud as Cybercrime Surges

India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has reported a tenfold surge in downloads of its Sanchar Saathi app, reaching nearly 600,000 in a single day as citizens increasingly turn to the platform to combat cybercrime and financial fraud. The app’s Chakshu facility enables users to report fraudulent calls, messages, and malicious links directly from their devices, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen telecom security.

The spike in usage, reported on December 2, 2025, highlights growing public awareness of digital threats, according to DoT sources cited by Press Trust of India. The app supports English, Hindi, and 21 regional languages, reflecting India’s linguistic diversity and ensuring broader accessibility.

Background and Context

Cybercrime and financial fraud have escalated in India, with scammers exploiting digital platforms to impersonate officials, offer fake jobs, or solicit payments under false pretenses. The DoT’s Sanchar Saathi initiative, launched to address these challenges, provides tools like Chakshu to empower citizens to report suspicious activities proactively. The portal aligns with broader government efforts to curb misuse of telecom resources and enhance digital safety.

Key Figures and Entities

The Department of Telecommunications oversees the Sanchar Saathi portal, with Chakshu serving as its reporting mechanism. Users can file complaints about fraudulent communications, including impersonation scams, fake KYC updates, and malicious links, directly through the app. The DoT has emphasized the importance of timely reporting, with complaints filed within 30 days prioritized for investigation.

Legal and Financial Mechanisms

Chakshu allows users to report various forms of fraud, such as financial scams, unsolicited commercial communications, and malicious web links received via SMS, WhatsApp, or other platforms. Reports are analyzed and added to a repository of suspicious activities, enabling authorities to take action against offenders. For individuals who have already suffered financial losses, the DoT directs them to the cybercrime helpline 1930 or the portal cybercrime.gov.in for immediate assistance.

International Implications and Policy Response

While the initiative is domestic, its success could serve as a model for other nations grappling with similar challenges. The DoT’s approach underscores the importance of citizen involvement in combating cybercrime and the need for multilingual, user-friendly tools to ensure widespread adoption. Policymakers worldwide are likely to monitor India’s efforts as they refine their own strategies for digital security.

Sources

This report draws on statements from the Department of Telecommunications, coverage by Press Trust of India, and official guidelines from the cybercrime.gov.in portal. Information about the Sanchar Saathi app and its Chakshu facility was also referenced from DoT publications and public announcements.