India proposes mobile number verification for apps, banks
India's Department of Telecommunications is planning new rules that would require apps and websites—like banks, e-commerce sites, food delivery, and ride-hailing services—to verify users' mobile numbers through a central system.
The move aims to fight rising digital fraud and better protect the country's 1.16 billion mobile users.
Platforms will have to pay small fees for each check
If these rules kick in, platforms will have to pay small fees (₹1.50-₹3) for each number they check, which could mean extra costs passed on to users.
There are also fresh rules for checking devices by IMEI number before selling them.
While the goal is safer online transactions as cybercrimes have tripled recently, experts worry about privacy risks and your data being stored centrally or shared with government agencies.
The draft is open for public feedback right now—so if you've got thoughts, this is your chance to speak up.