Cyber Security Rules to Be Revised to Curb Digital Fraud

 

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has proposed amendments to India’s cyber security regulations to curb the growing misuse of mobile phone numbers for online fraud.

According to the draft notification issued on June 24, a new verification system will be established to confirm the authenticity of phone numbers used for transactions, especially those involving Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

Officials said the proposal mandates the creation of a “permanent platform” through which authorised agencies and license holders will be able to cross-check whether a customer’s mobile number is recorded in their approved databases.

Special provisions are being developed for institutions using Telecommunication Identifier User Entity (TIUE) systems to verify customers’ mobile-based transactions.

 

Key Objectives of the Proposed Amendments

• To detect and prevent fraudulent use of phone numbers in digital payments.
• To give government agencies and telecom service providers the authority to trace transaction details in cases of suspected misuse.

The draft also empowers authorised bodies to collect and confirm records of any individual’s communication-linked transactions as part of cybercrime investigations.

Authorities said the changes are aimed at strengthening safeguards for consumers and tightening control over cyber fraud networks that have increasingly targeted mobile-based payment platforms.