Digital safety: DoT proposes stricter cybersecurity rules; central Mobile Number Validation Platform to combat fraud
The department of telecommunications (DoT) has proposed sweeping changes to India's telecom cybersecurity framework, allowing it to mandate mobile number or identity verification through a centralised government-run platform, as part of efforts to crack down on online fraud and spoofing.
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According to a draft notification of the amended Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, the DoT has suggested creating a 'Mobile Number Validation' (MNV) platform that will be accessible to telecom operators and entities such as banks, financial institutions, and e-commerce companies.
As per ET, these authorised stakeholders will be allowed to verify users' mobile numbers by paying a prescribed fee.
'With a view to ensuring telecom cyber security and prevent security incidents, the Central Government shall by itself, or through an agency authorised by the Central Government, establish an MNV platform,' the DoT stated in the notification.
The government can also direct device manufacturers to assist in identifying tampered phones using duplicate IMEI numbers, and maintain a database of such compromised devices.
The platform will offer tiered pricing for verification requests that government-authorised entities can access it at Rs 1.5 per request, while all others will be charged Rs 3 per validation.
Notably, under the draft rules, the government can immediately suspend a mobile number without notice if it believes the action is necessary in the public interest. The changes also give law enforcement agencies and authorised government bodies the ability to collect transaction histories involving mobile numbers from non-telecom entities.
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The draft introduces a new category called 'Telecommunication Identifier User Entities' (TIUEs), which includes all businesses and platforms that use mobile numbers to authenticate customers, such as banks verifying UPI-linked numbers.
As per news agency PTI, at least one major bank has already begun piloting the MNV system, flagging numbers involved in fraudulent transactions for 90-day deactivation. Once the period ends, the number's history is deleted to prevent issues for future users.
The new cybersecurity rules have triggered debate over their broader implications. While experts recognise the importance of enhanced protection, they also point to potential challenges.
'The proposed Telecom Cybersecurity Amendment Rules 2025 represent a strong policy move toward securing India's digital infrastructure,' said Tarun Wig, co-founder and CEO at Innefu Labs, as quoted by ET.
However, he warned of 'potential friction around data privacy, integration complexity, and the cost of compliance, especially for smaller digital platforms and startups.'
Wig added, 'Operationalising such a system at scale while ensuring minimal disruption and maximum data protection will be a key challenge.'
The DoT has invited public comments on the draft rules within 30 days of publication.
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