Live
- Neeraj Chopra to commence one month off-season training in South Africa later this month
- Grand Celebrations of CM Revanth Reddy’s Birthday
- Telangana Government Forms Cabinet Sub-Committee to Address Employee Issues
- Kishan Reddy Launches Kethineni Digitals: A New Era in the Digital Sector
- Chief Minister Chandrababu Praises Eluru Police for Seizing Stolen Vehicles
- Chief Minister Revanth Reddy Launches 'Moosi Revitalization Sankalp Yatra'
- SBI posts 28 pc net profit growth at Rs 18,331 crore in July-Sep quarter
- Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy announces settlement platform for Tribals in Sarvepalli Constituency
- Vivo X200 Series Global Launch Teased: What to Expect from Vivo's Latest Flagships
- ATP Finals: Rohan Bopanna - Matthew Ebden seeded sixth, to open against Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori
Indian Government to Suspend USSD-based Call Forwarding from April 15 to Curb Fraud
Government directives prompt changes in call forwarding methods on Indian smartphones from April 15 to combat fraud and enhance security.
In a significant development aimed at bolstering mobile phone security and curbing fraudulent activities, the Indian government has directed major telecom companies to suspend USSD-based call forwarding on smartphones starting April 15.
Understanding the Directive
The Department of Telecom (DoT) has issued an order, dated March 28, highlighting the misuse of USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) based call forwarding services, particularly the widely-used *401# code for unconditional call forwarding.
What is USSD-based Call Forwarding?
USSD codes serve as quick shortcuts for mobile users to access various services like balance inquiries or IMEI number retrieval. However, the DoT has identified vulnerabilities in these codes, making them susceptible to exploitation for fraudulent activities and cybercrimes.
At present, call forwarding can be initiated and managed by entering the USSD code *401#. While it is convenient to activate call forwarding using this code, DoT found the system vulnerable to misuse.
"It has been decided by the competent authority that all licensees shall discontinue the existing USSD-based call forwarding services with effect from 15.04.2024 until further notice," the DoT said in its order dated March 28.
Implications for Users
Users accustomed to utilizing USSD codes for call forwarding must adapt to alternative methods post-April 15. Telecom companies are mandated to offer alternative means for managing call forwarding services. This transition aims to bolster security measures, thwart unauthorized call forwarding, and prevent potential theft of sensitive information like one-time passwords (OTPs) used in online transactions.
By implementing these changes, the government seeks to enhance the safety and integrity of mobile phone usage in India, safeguarding users against the risks associated with fraudulent activities and unauthorized access.
