Archive · 24 Jul 2025
India's CNAP: Privacy Concerns Raised Over Mandatory Caller ID Display
Imagine your phone shows you the name of the person calling, just like it shows their number.
This is what CNAP aims to do, using your KYC info from when you got your SIM card.
It's supposed to stop scams.
But, right now, you can't choose if you want this feature.
Some people worry this could cause problems because not everyone has the same tech or might not want to share their name.
Some people think it should be a choice, not something that happens automatically, so users can decide how their info is shared.
CNAP will display a caller's KYC-verified name by default, based on SIM registration data.
The aim of CNAP is to reduce fraud, spoofing, and impersonation.
Currently, the system does not offer users the ability to opt-in or control caller ID display.
Concerns are raised about the digital divide and potential inaccuracies of the system.
Critics suggest an opt-in model is crucial for user autonomy and data protection.
- Who
- The Department of Telecommunications, telecom providers, and mobile users.
- What
- Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) system, which will display KYC-verified caller names.
- When
- As of the article's writing, the system is being proposed by the Department of Telecommunications.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To combat fraud, spoofing, and impersonation.
Proponents
Critics
Caller ID Transparency vs. User Choice
Proponents
CNAP is designed to mitigate fraud and impersonation by verifying caller identities.
Critics
CNAP infringes on user autonomy by mandating the disclosure of KYC-verified names without offering an opt-in option.
- CNAP Purpose
- Display caller's KYC-verified name on recipient's screen
- Default Setting
- Caller ID display is always shown by default
- Exemptions
- Limited exemptions for CLIR users
- Source of Caller Names
- Customer Acquisition Form (CAF)
- Concerns
- Privacy challenges, digital divide, and potential for misuse