In a major step toward curbing spam, fraudulent calls, and telemarketing scams, the government has mandated that caller names will now appear on your phone whenever you receive a call. This feature, known as Caller Name Presentation (CNAP), is set to be a game-changer for mobile users across the country.
Here's what you need to know about this new feature and why it’s important:
1. What is Caller Name Presentation (CNAP)?
CNAP is a service that will display not just the phone number but also the name of the person or entity calling you. This name will appear on your phone's screen, making it easier for you to identify who is calling before you pick up.
2. Why is This Important?
With increasing reports of fraudulent calls, especially from scammers impersonating legitimate organizations, CNAP is a crucial tool to ensure that users can avoid falling victim to such scams. Here's how CNAP can protect you:
- Reduces Fraud Risk: Scammers often use phone numbers that appear to be from trusted organizations (banks, government agencies, etc.). With CNAP, you can immediately see if the call is from a verified source.
- Helps Avoid Telemarketing: The feature will also help identify telemarketers, allowing you to ignore unwanted calls.
3. How Does CNAP Work?
When you receive a call, your telecom operator will show the caller’s name, not just the number. The feature works similarly to how caller ID displays the number but goes one step further by showing the name of the caller as well. This service will be rolled out by all telecom providers, including Jio, Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, and BSNL.
Important Note: CNAP will only work when both the caller and receiver’s telecom providers support this feature. Additionally, businesses and organizations need to register their numbers for CNAP to function properly.
4. Benefits of CNAP for Users
- Know Who’s Calling: Whether it's an important call from your bank or an emergency alert from a government service, CNAP helps you immediately recognize legitimate calls.
- Reduce Call Anxiety: No more wondering if the call is from a scammer or spammer. If the name shows up and you don’t recognize it, you can choose to ignore it without any anxiety.
- Increase Transparency: Organizations and companies will be more transparent in their communication, as callers will be identified by their real names.
5. Challenges & Privacy Concerns
While CNAP will drastically reduce fraud, there are a few concerns:
- Caller Privacy: Some people may feel uncomfortable with their names being shown, especially if they are calling someone for business purposes or have a reason for anonymity.
- Not Available for All Calls: The feature depends on telecom providers and organizations. If a caller hasn’t registered with the CNAP system, their name might not appear.
6. When Will This Feature Be Available?
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has already instructed telecom operators to roll out CNAP, and it is expected to become available to all users soon. The date for full implementation has yet to be confirmed but should be in the near future.
Conclusion:
The introduction of Caller Name Presentation (CNAP) is a huge step forward in tackling spam calls and fraudulent activities. This simple yet effective change will empower users to make more informed decisions before answering calls, keeping their personal information and finances safer.
Stay Safe! Next time your phone rings, you’ll be able to know who’s calling before you even say “hello.”
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk..jpg)
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