The government has formally approved the implementation of the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) framework, a nationwide verified caller ID system designed to curb the surge in cybercrime, financial fraud, and impersonation scams. Set for pan-India rollout by March 2026, CNAP aims to give mobile users instant visibility into who is calling—reducing the success rate of phishing and spoofed calls that continue to exploit millions.
Under CNAP, telecom operators will be required to display the registered name of the caller on the recipient’s device, even if the number is not saved in contacts. This real-time identification brings much-needed transparency to India’s telecom ecosystem, where over 60% of fraud begins with voice-based social engineering. Authorities believe CNAP will significantly reduce fake identity calls, particularly those impersonating banks, government agencies, or law-enforcement officials.
The initiative aligns with India’s broader digital safety agenda under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP). As cybercriminals adopt AI-driven cloning, deepfakes, and VoIP spoofing, verified caller identity becomes a critical safeguard for citizens—especially seniors, students, and first-time digital users.
Telecom operators will implement CNAP in phases, starting with network upgrades, registry creation, and compliance audits. The system will work across 4G, 5G, and VoIP calls, with strict data-handling norms to ensure users' privacy is fully protected.
With CNAP, India takes a decisive step toward restoring trust in telecom communication. By 2026, users can expect fewer fraud calls, stronger verification, and a safer digital experience built on authenticity and accountability.
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