🗞️ Context
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has notified the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment Rules, 2025, to strengthen cyber security across India’s telecom and digital ecosystem.
These rules aim to curb rising cyber frauds, fake SIM misuse, and fraudulent digital accounts.
⚙️ Key Amendments Explained
1. Creation of Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs)
- The government introduced a new category called TIUEs.
- This includes apps and businesses that use phone numbers to identify or verify customers.
- Examples: WhatsApp, Paytm, PhonePe, Zomato, Swiggy, Ola, Uber, etc.
- TIUEs must now follow government cyber security rules, similar to telecom operators like Airtel, Jio, and Vi.
2. Compliance Requirements for Apps
TIUEs must:
- Verify customer identities using official systems.
- Respond to government data or verification requests.
- Suspend phone numbers or accounts when ordered by authorities.
3. Government-Run Mobile Number Verification (MNV) System
- A central verification platform will confirm whether a number belongs to a legitimate telecom subscriber.
- Apps must verify phone numbers through this system before allowing user registration or services.
4. Rules for Used Phone Sales
- Every used mobile phone sale must go through IMEI verification (International Mobile Equipment Identity).
- Devices with:
- Fake or cloned IMEIs
- Stolen phones
- Tampered devices
will be blacklisted and cannot be sold.
This will disrupt the stolen phone market and curb device-related frauds.
5. Government Verification Gateway
- A new Government Verification Gateway will allow apps and digital platforms to:
- Validate phone numbers
- Cross-check data with telecom databases (Airtel, Jio, Vi)
- Government agencies will have priority access for verification and investigation.
6. Immediate Action in Public Interest
- Authorities can take instant action without prior notice in cases involving national security or public interest.
- They can order the suspension of accounts across multiple platforms at once.
🚨 Why These Amendments Were Needed
1. Spike in Cyber Crimes
- Over 7.4 lakh cybercrime cases were reported in the first four months of 2024.
- 85% were related to online financial fraud.
- Investment scams on WhatsApp and Telegram accounted for over 83,000 cases.
2. Fake Mobile Numbers and IDs
- Criminals often use fake, stolen, or cloned SIMs to:
- Create fraudulent accounts
- Bypass OTP verification
- Impersonate real users
3. Stolen Phone Market
- Stolen phones are frequently used for illegal activities.
- IMEI-based tracking and verification will make it harder to sell or reuse such devices.
🔒 Impact of the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2025
| Impact Area | Expected Change |
|---|---|
| User Verification | Stronger KYC norms across apps and telecom networks |
| Cyber Crime Control | Reduced financial fraud and identity theft |
| Used Device Market | Illegal phones blocked from resale |
| Data Protection | Secure sharing of information through official gateway |
| National Security | Faster response to threats and fake identity misuse |
📚 Relevance for UPSC / BPSC Aspirants
Paper: GS Paper 2 – Government Policies & Interventions
Topic: Cyber Security, Digital India, Data Protection
Key Takeaways for Mains:
- Expanding cyber security coverage beyond telecom operators to all digital platforms.
- Integration of IMEI verification and mobile number validation.
- Balancing privacy with national security.
🧠 In Simple Words
The Telecom Cyber Security Amendment Rules, 2025 are India’s new shield against digital fraud.
They ensure that every number and phone used online is real, traceable, and safe.
Apps like WhatsApp, Paytm, and Zomato now come under stricter government monitoring for cyber safety and fraud prevention.
💬 Previous Year UPSC Question (PYQ)
Q. What is the importance of the concept of “Cyber Security” in India’s governance framework? Discuss various government initiatives taken to strengthen cyber security.
(UPSC GS Paper 3 – 2022)
🏁 Conclusion
India’s new Telecom Cyber Security Rules represent a strong move to tackle digital fraud, mobile misuse, and fake identity creation.
With growing dependence on digital platforms, these amendments will help ensure safe communication, transparent data usage, and a secure digital economy.
❓ FAQs
1. What are the Telecom Cyber Security Amendment Rules, 2025?
They are updated telecom regulations by the DoT to improve cyber security and prevent fraud through fake or stolen mobile numbers.
2. What is a TIUE?
TIUE stands for Telecommunication Identifier User Entity — any company or app that uses phone numbers to identify users (like WhatsApp or Paytm).
3. Why is IMEI verification important?
It helps track stolen or cloned phones and stops them from being sold or reused illegally.
4. Can the government suspend user accounts under these rules?
Yes, authorities can order instant suspension of accounts across apps or telecom services in the public interest.
5. How do these rules help in cybercrime control?
By verifying all users and devices, fake accounts and frauds using stolen phones or numbers can be traced and prevented.
