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2w ago

Government Withdraws Amitabh Bachchan’s Cybercrime Awareness Caller Tune

Officials said the initiative concluded after widespread complaints that the pre-call message delayed emergency connections despite rising cyber fraud rates

Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan's voice was used for sending out cautionary messages for phone users against cyber fraud.
Initially, a generic version of the robocall was launched for 90 days. This was later followed by a 60-day extension with Amitabh Bachchan’s voice (AFP)
Amitabh Bachchan Caller Tune
Amitabh Bachchan’s Cybercrime Caller Tune Removed, Will No Longer Play From June 26: Report

Overview

  • The cybercrime caller tune campaign launched in September 2024 by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre and the Department of Telecommunications ran a generic message for 90 days, then extended for 60 days with Amitabh Bachchan’s voice, before concluding on June 25, 2025.
  • Bachchan’s pre-recorded warning played before every outgoing call to educate citizens about rising digital scams after reported cyber fraud cases jumped from 1.13 million in 2023 to 1.71 million in 2024.
  • Telecom operators removed the message starting June 26 after confirmation that the awareness drive had ended.
  • Public complaints cited that the mandatory pre-call alert caused delays in emergency connections, prompting widespread relief online when it was discontinued.
  • Despite facing online trolling over the message, Bachchan defended his involvement by stating he was following government instructions to promote digital safety.