No phone number required for shopping billing - Central Government

The practice of asking customers for their mobile numbers at shopping malls and retail stores during billing has become common. However, the Central Government clarified that providing a personal mobile number is not mandatory. The issue was raised in the Lok Sabha by MP Janardan Singh Sigriwal, to which the Centre responded.

The government stated that advisories were issued to retailers through their associations on May 26, 2023. As per these guidelines, mobile numbers can be collected only with the consent of consumers. There is no rule that makes disclosure of mobile numbers compulsory, and customers have the right to refuse.

Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules 2025, citizens’ personal data, including mobile numbers, must be protected from misuse. If any misuse of personal data occurs, consumers can lodge a complaint through the helpline of the Department of Consumer Affairs.