The UK government and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) have formally partnered to combat digital fraud, scams, and harms using Artificial Intelligence (AI). A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 14 September, establishing a framework for collaboration between the two nations' telecommunications industries.
This agreement will enable the sharing of learning and knowledge, and build engagement around key digital fraud issues affecting both India and the UK. It outlines how telecoms industries can utilise the latest technologies and AI advancements to enhance network design, management, and security across the digital economy.
The collaboration aims to strengthen fraud resilience in both countries, placing industry at the forefront of addressing this global problem. Ben Mellor, Acting British High Commissioner to India, stated that industry partners are central to protecting citizens, businesses, and institutions from harmful actors.
Fraud is a transnational organised crime, with over two-thirds of cases in the UK having an international element. The UK government has committed over £250 million between 2026 and 2029 to a new Fraud Strategy, which includes a new Online Crime Centre and a Telecoms Fraud Charter driving AI adoption.