Mains issueGS-2News & Analysis16 October 2026

Regulating Caller ID for Digital Safety and Consumer Protection

Aspirants should be able to analyze how government regulations like CNAP aim to enhance digital safety and consumer protection by balancing identification needs with privacy concerns, while also considering implementation challenges and broader implications for the digital ecosystem.

Source: indianexpress.comOriginal report

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Why now

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) for mobile users starting November 1, making it a timely issue for examining government intervention in digital communication for public welfare and security.

Core issue

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) for mobile users on 4G networks, effective November 1. This service will display the caller's registered name, aiming to combat online fraud such as 'digital arrests'. The regulation includes provisions for user privacy, such as exemption for those with Calling Line Identification Restriction (CLIR) enabled and a 'security-by-design' approach to prevent data retention. Businesses can register a preferred name (trademark or GST-registered trade name) for their bulk connections.

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