No Third-Party App Needed: TRAI’s New Rule to Show Unknown Caller’s Name on Incoming Calls
No Third-Party App Needed: TRAI’s New Rule to Show Unknown Caller’s Name on Incoming Calls
The new CNAP feature will show the caller’s verified KYC name on screen, reducing scam calls and dependence on third-party apps; users can disable it for privacy.
In a major step toward protecting mobile users from fraudulent and scam calls, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) have approved the rollout of a new feature — Caller Name Display, officially known as Calling Name Presentation (CNAP).
Under this system, the name registered during a user’s SIM card KYC verification will automatically appear on the recipient’s screen during an incoming call. This means users will no longer have to rely on third-party applications to identify unknown callers, helping prevent fake and fraudulent calls.
The initiative aims to address the growing menace of scam calls, digital arrest attempts, and cyber fraud, which often originate from unidentified or spoofed numbers. By displaying the verified name of the caller, TRAI hopes to bring greater transparency and security to the telecom ecosystem.
TRAI clarified that the names displayed will be based on the official identification documents used during SIM registration, ensuring accuracy and authenticity. This will make it far more difficult for fraudsters to use false identities while making calls.
Importantly, the service will be enabled by default for all users, requiring no separate activation. However, those who prefer not to have their names displayed will have the option to disable the feature through their telecom operator, protecting their right to privacy.
The Caller Name Display proposal was initially recommended by TRAI in February 2024, and after extensive review and security assessment, it has now received final approval. The system has already undergone successful trials, and full-scale implementation is expected soon across all major mobile networks.
Once operational, the CNAP service is expected to transform the way mobile communication works in India, significantly reducing phone-based scams and reinforcing digital safety for millions of subscribers nationwide.
