Coming Soon: CNAP for Spam and Fraud Call Prevention, Read to know more
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended the implementation of Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) on mobile phones to curb the rising menace of spam, fraudulent, and robocalls. The CNAP service aims to display the caller’s identity based on the registration data submitted during the Know Your Customer (KYC) process. TRAI expressed concerns about the impact of such unwanted calls on genuine call responses and proposed measures to enhance caller identification.
Key Recommendations:
1. Implementation of CNAP: TRAI recommends the implementation of the Calling Name Display Service on mobile phones to enhance caller identification.
2. Mandate for Smartphone Makers: The regulator proposes mandating smartphone manufacturers to enable the CNAP feature within a specified timeframe.
3. Central Subscriber Database Query: Mobile network operators should enable the CNAP feature by querying the central subscriber database to obtain accurate caller information.
4. Subscriber Entities’ Preferred Name: Entities holding bulk and business connections should be allowed to present their ‘preferred name’ instead of the name listed in the Customer Application Form (CAF).
Government Instructions:
TRAI suggests that the government issue appropriate instructions to ensure that all devices sold in India incorporate the CNAP feature post a designated cutoff date. While acknowledging the existence of third-party apps like Truecaller, TRAI emphasizes the need for a more reliable solution, highlighting that these apps rely on crowd-sourced data.
Subscriber Access to CNAP:
TRAI recommends that all access service providers offer the CNAP supplementary service to telephone subscribers upon request. Additionally, subscribers with bulk and business connections should have the flexibility to present their preferred name for enhanced customization.
TRAI’s recommendations on CNAP represent a proactive approach to address the growing challenge of spam and fraudulent calls.
By proposing measures to ensure accurate caller identification and urging the incorporation of CNAP features in mobile devices, TRAI aims to enhance the overall telecommunication experience for users in India. The regulator’s comprehensive framework sets the stage for improved call authenticity and reduced instances of unwanted calls, aligning with the broader goal of promoting a secure and reliable communication ecosystem.
