A New Era of Caller ID
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed all Indian telecom operators to implement a new feature called Calling Name Presentation, or CNAP, from November 1. This government-mandated system will automatically display the caller's name alongside
their number for incoming calls. Unlike third-party apps that rely on crowdsourced data, CNAP will pull the name directly from the official subscriber records that were submitted during the SIM card's Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process. This means the name displayed will be the one linked to a user's official identification, making it a more reliable tool against spoofing and spam.
How It Will Look on Your Phone
The experience will be seamless and requires no action from you. The service will be enabled by default on all 4G and 5G networks. When your phone rings, the system will follow a simple hierarchy. If the caller's number is already saved in your contacts, the name you assigned will appear as usual. However, if the number is not saved, your phone will display the name registered with the caller's telecom operator. This applies to all domestic calls. For calls originating from outside the country, your screen will simply display the label 'International Call' instead of a specific name.
The Driving Force: Tackling Scams and Spam
The primary goal of CNAP is to empower users and combat the rising tide of fraudulent and unsolicited calls. By providing a verified name, the system aims to help you make a more informed decision before answering a call from an unknown source. Scammers who hide behind anonymous numbers will find it harder to operate, as their registered name will be visible. This initiative, stemming from recommendations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), is a significant step towards creating a more transparent and secure telecommunications environment for millions of users across the country.
Are There Any Exceptions?
While CNAP is a major step forward, it won't cover every single call, at least not initially. The mandate for the November 1 rollout applies specifically to 4G and 5G networks, where telecom providers like Jio, Airtel, and Vi have already conducted trials. The implementation for older 2G and 3G networks, as well as landline services, will be considered separately at a later date. Additionally, users have the option to use a feature called Calling Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) if they wish to hide their name from being displayed.
What About Businesses and Privacy?
The new rules also cater to businesses. Companies with bulk or business connections can apply to display a 'preferred name' instead of the one on their subscriber records. This preferred name must be a verified trademark or a trade name registered on the GST portal, ensuring legitimacy. On the privacy front, the DoT has mandated a 'security-by-design' approach. Telecom operators are required to ensure that the name data retrieved for a call is not stored or retained after the call ends, protecting user information.
