Fate of govt-owned truecaller ID hangs in the balance even as TRAI holds talks with telecos

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) are still at loggerheads, as there is no clarity over the implementation of the government-owned Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) facility.

While TRAI wants telecom service providers to display a caller's name, telecos say CNAP presents a material risk to Indian citizens' privacy.

With an aim to bury the hatchet with stakeholders, TRAI held an open discussion today with internet, telecos, and the industry association about the 'introduction of CNAP in telecommunication networks.  

The prominent points discussed in the meeting were the necessity to introduce CNAP by telecom network and service companies, why the implementation of CNAP is mandatory for all telecos, and whether information about a consumer at the time of purchasing a SIM can be used for CNAP.

Models that were discussed

During the discussion, four models for the implementation of CNAP were discussed.

There will be a common database for all telecom service providers (TSPs); all TSPs can prepare their own databases; a centralised database will be formed, and a third party will regulate it; both centralised and common databases will be prepared.  

What is telecos' stand?

Telecos are opposing the move, saying it will escalate the costs of operations. They have suggested that a subscription service can be started for CNAP.

Some other concerns that telecos raised were whether the time to connect a customer's call could be extended.

They say new software catering to telecom services are constantly being introduced to the market, and telecos may find it difficult to keep pace with them.

Telecos say individuals' privacy can also be compromised since phone manufacturers, operating systems, and apps will also have access to their CNAP data.

They say people may face difficulties if their names are made public after KYC is done. Similarly, women may face more difficulties if their identity is revealed through CNAP.