The Department of Telecommunications has introduced new Mobile Number Validation (MNV) rules under the updated Telecommunications Cyber Security Rules, 2024.
These rules aim to strengthen cybersecurity and make mobile-related services more secure.
With these changes, banks and service providers will be able to quickly confirm whether a mobile number is genuine.
This will help stop fraud and prevent misuse of mobile identities.
Sellers of second-hand phones will now have to check the IMEI number of every device to ensure it isn’t stolen or fake.
How the Mobile Number Validation System Works
The MNV system is a secure platform that directly verifies mobile number details with the telecom operator.
When a number is entered into the system, the operator confirms whether it is active, valid, and registered to the correct person.
This helps identify fake SIM cards, false registrations, and numbers used for cybercrimes.
The platform will also show how many SIM cards are linked to a single person, reducing the chances of duplicate or fraudulent SIMs.
In addition, strict rules now apply to buying and selling second-hand phones.
If a phone’s IMEI number appears on the blacklist, selling it will be illegal.
This move is expected to significantly reduce the circulation of stolen phones.
Stronger Protection for Banking and Online Services
These rules are especially important for the banking sector.
Instant mobile number verification will ensure that sensitive services like bank accounts and mutual funds are accessed only by the rightful owner of the number.
This will help prevent fraud where criminals used mobile numbers registered in someone else’s name.
A Major Step Toward Safer Digital India
Overall, the government’s new system is expected to greatly improve digital security.
Users will now be able to see all SIM cards issued in their name, making it harder for fraudsters to misuse personal information.
The MNV platform could become a major step toward safer, more transparent, and more secure mobile usage across the country.
