The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has developed a powerful facial recognition tool known as Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification (ASTR). This tool aims to combat cyber fraud by detecting and blocking potential fraudulent mobile connections. In this article, we will explore the features and functionalities of ASTR, along with its pilot project in Haryana’s Mewat region.
ASTR’s Development and Pilot Project:
The DoT initiated the development of ASTR in response to an order issued in 2012, requiring telecom operators to share their subscriber database, including user pictures, with the department. The ASTR project was conceptualized and designed by the DoT’s unit between April 2021 and July 2021. To test ASTR’s feasibility, a pilot project was launched in the Mewat region of Haryana.
How ASTR Works:
ASTR employs face comparison technology to identify potential fraud. Each face in the database is compared with all other faces, and similar faces are grouped together. ASTR determines two faces to be identical if they match to at least 97.5%. It is capable of detecting fraudulent SIMs against a suspected face in under 10 seconds, even from a massive database of 1 crore images. Once faces are matched, ASTR’s algorithm uses “fuzzy logic” to find similarities or approximate matches for subscriber names.
Identifying Fraudulent Connections:
ASTR employs two primary methods to identify fraudulent connections:
- Limiting Connections: ASTR checks if there are more than nine connections associated with a single individual’s photograph. This helps prevent individuals from obtaining excessive mobile connections using a single identity proof.
- Cross-Checking Subscriber Names: ASTR runs a search through the database to determine if the same person has taken SIMs under different names. This ensures that individuals cannot acquire multiple connections by using different aliases.
ASTR’s Impact and Future Steps:
During the pilot project, ASTR successfully detected fraudulent connections. In one instance, it identified 6,800 connections associated with the same image but different names. In another case, it discovered 5,300 connections linked to a single image. Upon identifying fraudulent connections, the DoT shares the list with telecom operators, who subsequently block these connections. In the first phase, ASTR analyzed over 87 crore mobile connections, detecting more than 40 lakh cases of individuals using a single photograph to obtain multiple connections. Telecom operators discontinued over 36 lakh connections after thorough verification.
Collaboration with Banks, Payment Wallets, and Social Media Platforms:
To ensure comprehensive action against fraudulent connections, the DoT shares the list of identified connections with banks, payment wallets, and social media platforms. These organizations disengage the identified numbers from their respective platforms, further limiting the potential for fraudulent activities.
Important points:
- 🌐 The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has developed ASTR, an Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification, to combat cyber fraud.
- 📸 ASTR performs face comparison to detect and block potential fraudulent mobile connections.
- 📅 A pilot project was conducted in Haryana’s Mewat region to test ASTR’s feasibility.
- 💻 ASTR matches faces by comparing them against a database of 1 crore images, with a threshold of at least 97.5% similarity.
- 🧠 ASTR utilizes “fuzzy logic” to find similarities or approximate matches for subscriber names.
- 🔍 ASTR checks for more than nine connections associated with a single individual’s photograph to prevent excessive mobile connections using a single identity proof.
- 🔄 ASTR cross-checks the database to identify if the same person has taken SIMs under different names, preventing connections acquired using different aliases.
- ⚠️ ASTR detected 6,800 connections associated with the same image but different names, and 5,300 connections linked to a single image during the pilot project.
- 📝 DoT shares the list of fraudulent connections with telecom operators to block them.
- 📊 ASTR analyzed over 87 crore mobile connections during the first phase, detecting over 40 lakh cases of individuals using a single photograph for multiple connections.
- ❌ More than 36 lakh connections were discontinued by telecom operators after thorough verification.
- 🤝 DoT collaborates with banks, payment wallets, and social media platforms, sharing the list of fraudulent connections to disengage them from their platforms.
- 👍 ASTR represents a significant step forward in combating fraud in the telecom sector, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance security measures.
Why In News
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has successfully harnessed the power of Artificial Intelligence to create an advanced facial recognition tool, aimed at combating fraudulent activities with utmost precision. This cutting-edge technology promises to revolutionize security measures by swiftly identifying and verifying individuals, thus bolstering fraud prevention efforts across various sectors.
MCQs about AI Facial Recognition
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What is the purpose of ASTR, the facial recognition tool developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)?
A. To enhance mobile connectivity
B. To detect and block fraudulent mobile connections
C. To improve internet speed
D. To develop new telecom infrastructure
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How does ASTR identify potential fraud?
A. By analyzing call records
B. By comparing faces against a database
C. By monitoring social media activities
D. By tracking GPS locations
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What does ASTR do if it detects more than nine connections associated with a single individual’s photograph?
A. Blocks all the connections
B. Alerts the Department of Telecommunications
C. Runs a search through the database to find connections under different names
D. Increases the data limit for that individual
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How does ASTR contribute to reducing fraudulent connections?
A. By analyzing mobile app usage
B. By sharing the list of fraudulent connections with telecom operators
C. By providing faster internet connectivity
D. By encrypting user data
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