Calling Name Presentation (CNAP)
Why in news?
Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) is a new telecom service in India that displays the verified name of incoming callers on mobile screens, using KYC details from telecom databases to combat spam and fraud calls.Telecom operators like Vodafone Idea and Jio began CNAP pilots in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh in late 2025, following DoT directives. These trials succeeded for 4G/5G users, excluding 2G networks, with nationwide rollout targeted by December 2025 or March 2026.
How It Works?
- Recipient's network queries the caller's telecom operator database during call setup to fetch the registered name linked to the caller's phone number.
- Works on 4G/5G devices without internet; pilots ongoing in areas like Haryana by Vodafone Idea and Jio, with nationwide rollout targeted by March 2026.
- Enabled by default; users can opt out via their service provider.
Benefits
- Reduces spam and scams by showing authentic KYC-verified names, unlike crowd-sourced apps like Truecaller.
- Boosts call answer rates for businesses, enhances trust, and improves customer experience through transparency.
- Helps users make informed decisions on unknown calls without third-party apps.
Concerns
- Privacy risks as it reveals caller identities without explicit consent, potentially violating data protection laws and exposing vulnerable users to harassment.
- High implementation costs, infrastructure upgrades, and longer call setup times for telcos.
- Limited to 4G/5G (excluding ~200 million 2G users); bad actors might opt out or spoof names.
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