The Indian government has introduced new cyber rules under the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment Rules, 2025, expanding regulatory oversight to nearly all digital platforms that use mobile numbers for user identification. Notified on October 22 and effective immediately, the rules aim to curb the rising tide of cybercrime.
Under the new framework, any service verifying users via mobile numbers—from WhatsApp and Paytm to Zomato and Ola—will be classified as Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs). These entities must verify customers through a centralized government-run Mobile Number Validation platform and respond promptly to security directives. Authorities now have the power to order real-time suspension of accounts linked to flagged numbers, potentially affecting banking, payments, delivery, and messaging services simultaneously.
The reforms come amid alarming cybercrime growth, with losses tripling from ₹7,465 crore in 2023 to ₹22,845 crore in 2024, according to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre. Officials note that actions can be taken without prior notice if deemed necessary for “public interest,” with reasons documented.
The Mobile Number Validation platform will confirm whether a number belongs to a legitimate telecom subscriber, using data shared by operators such as Airtel, Jio, and Vi. The system will operate on a fee-sharing model, though the tariff structure remains undisclosed. Authorities have emphasised adherence to India’s data protection laws, though specifics on consent and data retention are yet to be defined.
The rules also cover India’s secondary phone market. Before any used device can be sold, its IMEI must be verified against a government-maintained blacklist of stolen or tampered devices. Trading in blacklisted phones is prohibited, and manufacturers cannot reuse IMEIs already active on Indian networks.
By extending compliance obligations to apps, telecom operators, and device suppliers, the government seeks to dismantle the infrastructure behind digital fraud. The reforms are expected to protect users from impersonation and scam accounts while increasing accountability across India’s 700 million smartphone users.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
