New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has revised the Telecommunication Cyber Security Rules to respond to evolving risks arising from the expanding use of telecom identifiers in financial services, e-commerce, governance platforms and other digital ecosystems. The amendment focuses on improving verification mechanisms, tightening device-level checks and establishing clearer responsibilities for organisations that rely on telecom-linked identifiers.
The updated rules formally introduce the Mobile Number Validation (MNV) platform as a decentralised and privacy-compliant verification system. The platform enables service providers to confirm whether a mobile number used for digital transactions genuinely belongs to the associated user. According to officials, this measure is expected to reduce fraudulent onboarding, curb misuse of telecom-linked credentials and support efforts to identify mule accounts.
The amendment also makes Resale Device Scrubbing mandatory for companies involved in the sale of used or refurbished devices. Under this provision, entities must verify IMEI numbers against a government-managed blacklist before resale. The move is intended to prevent the circulation of stolen, cloned or blacklisted devices and improve traceability in cases of cybercrime or device-related investigations.
In addition, the rules classify organisations relying on mobile numbers, IMEIs and IP addresses as Telecom Identifier User Entities (TIUEs). These entities will be required to share specific identifier data with the government under regulated conditions to enhance coordination, fraud detection and accountability, while remaining within established data protection standards.
The DoT has also resolved inconsistencies arising from multiple Gazette notifications. The amendment, initially notified on 22 October 2025, remains legally valid despite an inadvertent republication later that month.
Overall, the revised framework reflects the government’s effort to create a more resilient and traceable telecom security environment as digital transactions continue to expand nationwide.
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