In a landmark move aimed at improving user transparency and curbing spam calls, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) have officially approved the rollout of a new feature that will display the caller’s name during incoming calls. This initiative marks a major step toward safer and more informed digital communication for millions of Indian mobile users.
Feature Set to Enhance Call Transparency
The new feature, known as Calling Name Presentation (CNAP), will allow telecom operators to display the registered name of the caller—as per KYC records—on the recipient’s screen, similar to third-party apps like Truecaller. The objective is to provide users with real-time identity verification without relying on external applications.
Pilot Implementation Planned Before Nationwide Rollout
According to officials, the DoT has directed telecom service providers (TSPs) to conduct pilot trials of the feature before a full-scale launch. The trials will assess the feature’s performance, privacy compliance, and compatibility across different devices and networks. Following successful testing, the rollout will be phased across all major telecom operators.
Privacy and Data Protection at the Core
TRAI has emphasized that the feature will operate strictly within existing data protection laws. Caller names will be sourced only from verified telecom subscriber databases, ensuring that no third-party data is used. The initiative also aims to minimize the misuse of personal data and prevent fraudulent calls by giving users immediate visibility of the caller’s identity.
Industry and Consumer Impact
Telecom experts believe this move could transform call verification standards in India, helping users avoid spam, scam, and robocalls. Moreover, by integrating identity verification directly into the telecom infrastructure, it reduces dependency on private caller ID apps that often raise data privacy concerns.
India Takes a Step Toward Safer Digital Communication
With the combined efforts of TRAI and DoT, India is poised to become one of the few countries implementing an official, telecom-backed caller name display system. The feature not only supports transparency and accountability but also aligns with India’s broader Digital India and cybersecurity goals, ensuring a safer communication ecosystem for all.