New DoT Rules to Curb Cyber Fraud?

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is set to introduce stricter requirements for displaying callers’ names on mobile phone screens through the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) service. According to the information provided, the service will become mandatory for all telecom operators from November 1. The initiative aims to help users identify incoming callers by displaying the name registered when the SIM card was purchased. Unlike third-party caller identification applications, CNAP is designed to obtain caller-name information through the telecom network, potentially making it easier for users to recognise unknown numbers and make informed decisions before answering calls.

The service is expected to be introduced first for users on 4G and 5G networks, while support for 2G and 3G networks may follow later. The move is intended to strengthen protection against unwanted calls, impersonation and certain types of cyber fraud. Displaying a registered caller name could help users distinguish legitimate calls from suspicious ones. However, the name shown will depend on the subscriber information recorded by the telecom operator, and the service should not be treated as a complete safeguard against scams. Users are advised to remain cautious when receiving calls requesting passwords, banking details, one-time passwords (OTPs) or other sensitive information.