SIM-binding, CNAP rules likely to be implemented in India in 2026: What is it and how will it work
With new CNAP and SIM-binding rules aimed at curbing rising cyber frauds, India is preparing to strengthen its digital security net by linking phone numbers with real identities in 2026.
India’s fight against cyber fraud is entering a more serious phase, with the government preparing a new set of telecom and digital security rules that could directly change the way people receive calls and use messaging apps. After years of rising online scams that have cost Indians billions of rupees, regulators are now focusing on structural reforms rather than temporary patches. These changes, expected to be fully implemented by 2026, aim to close loopholes that scammers have taken advantage of for too long.
SIM-binding, CNAP rules likely to be implemented in India in 2026: What is it and how will it work
Cyber fraud has become more than just a financial problem. There have been repeated reports of people losing their life savings due to fraudulent investment schemes, phishing calls and impersonation fraud. In some heartbreaking cases, victims have taken extreme measures after realizing that they have been duped. A large number of these scams are run from outside India, making enforcement and recovery extremely difficult. This growing threat has prompted agencies like RBI, NPCI, TRAI and DoT to coordinate more closely than ever.
Since last year, regulators have already started tightening the screws. NPCI recently disabled a UPI feature that allows users to request money from others, after it was found to be widely misused in scam attempts. TRAI, on its part, has tightened KYC rules to limit SIM card misuse and launched a dedicated number series to help users identify promotional and commercial calls. Also, the RBI and TRAI are testing a digital consent management system that lets bank customers check, withdraw or modify the permissions they have inadvertently given to marketing messages.
The next phase of this effort focuses on two key changes that may be visible to everyday users: Caller Name Presentation, or CNAP, and SIM-binding to messaging platforms.
CNAP is designed to tackle one of the most common tricks used by scammers – pretending to be someone they are not. Fraudsters often introduce themselves as bank officials, government officials, delivery agents or even relatives to gain trust within seconds of the call. Under the CNAP system, telecom operators will display the verified name of the caller on the recipient’s screen for incoming calls. This name will be derived from the KYC details submitted while purchasing the SIM card, giving users a clear idea of who is actually calling them.
TRAI has already asked telecom companies to test CNAP through a pilot programme. Although the system is still being fine-tuned, there are plans to expand it across the country in a phased manner. If the timeline holds true, CNAP could become a default feature across networks as early as 2026. For users, this means fewer blind calls and an added layer of confidence before answering unknown numbers.
The second major change targets fraud occurring on instant messaging apps. Many scam operations rely on Indian phone numbers to appear legitimate, even though the criminals are often based overseas. Once the fraud is complete, the physical SIM card is removed, making it harder to trace the user behind the number. To counter this, DoT has directed messaging platforms to start SIM-binding.
SIM-binding requires that the physical SIM card associated with the phone number be present and active in the device for the associated messaging app to function. In simple words, if the SIM is removed or deactivated then a user will not be able to use the messaging account linked to an Indian number. DoT issued a 90-day compliance window for platforms in November, and although implementation may vary, this security measure is expected to become standard practice by 2026.
