New SIM Rules: Every year the cases of cyber fraud are increasing rapidly in India. Along with the fraud of crores and billions of rupees, even the lives of many people have been ruined. In many cases, people are devastated after losing their savings. Most of such crimes are being operated from abroad, making it a serious challenge for the government and regulatory agencies.
Government agencies engaged in strengthening cyber security
To curb cyber crimes, RBI, NPCI and TRAI are continuously bringing new rules and technical changes. Recently, NPCI closed the feature of UPI through which fraudsters used to dupe people by sending request money. TRAI has further tightened the KYC rules related to SIM cards and has made separate number series mandatory for promotional calls.
Apart from this, RBI and TRAI are working together on a digital system through which bank customers will be able to view, manage and cancel the approval of promotional calls and messages given earlier.
These major cyber security changes will be implemented in 2026
The government and regulators are now preparing such measures which will play an important role in protecting common mobile users from fraud. Among these, two major changes are most discussed.
CNAP: Now the name of the caller will be visible on every call
Most cyber fraudsters present themselves as bank officers, government employees or acquaintances. To end this fraud, TRAI has directed all telecom companies to implement Caller Name Presentation i.e. CNAP.
On any call under CNAP, the verified name of the caller will be visible on the user’s screen. This name will be taken from the same KYC data which was given while purchasing the SIM. Currently this system is in the trial stage and it is expected that by the beginning of 2026 it will be implemented in the entire country.
SIM-binding
Many fraudsters use Indian numbers on WhatsApp and other messaging apps and throw away the SIM cards once they are done so that they cannot be tracked. To prevent this problem, the Department of Telecommunications has decided to make SIM-binding mandatory.
After SIM-binding is implemented, to use any messaging app, it will be necessary to have the physical SIM of that number in the same phone. The app will not work without SIM. In November, DoT had given 90 days time to the companies for this, due to which it is believed that this rule will be fully implemented by 2026.
What will change for the common user?
After the implementation of these new rules, fraud through fake calls and messages can be stopped to a great extent. The identity of the caller will be clearly visible and it will become difficult for fraudsters to misuse messaging apps. 2026 can prove to be a big turning point in terms of digital security for mobile users.
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