CNAP Service Rolls Out in India: See Names of Unknown Callers, Reducing Spam and Fraud

The Indian government has introduced a new service called Calling Name Presentation (CNAP), now live in select regions. This service allows mobile users to see the officially registered names of unknown callers on their phones. The names displayed will be based on the documents submitted during SIM registration, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Telecom operators in West Bengal and Kerala have already rolled out CNAP, with Airtel and Jio among the first to implement it.

How CNAP Works
When someone calls, the phone screen will first display the caller’s government-registered name. After a few moments, it may switch to the name saved in your contacts. For instance, if you saved a contact as “Mom” or “Plumber,” that name will appear after the official name. CNAP works on 4G and 5G networks, though implementation on older 2G and 3G networks may take longer.

Government Orders Telecom Companies
The government has directed telecom providers to implement CNAP across the country by March 2026. The service will be enabled by default, but users can opt out if they wish.

Benefits of CNAP

• Reduces spam and fraud calls as callers’ real names are displayed.
• Enhances trust by allowing users to identify calls from banks or companies.
• Eliminates dependency on third-party apps like Truecaller, which may provide inaccurate information.

Privacy Concerns
Some users have raised privacy concerns, especially women or individuals who prefer not to reveal their names. CNAP addresses this through CLIR functionality, which hides both number and name. The government has assured that privacy will be maintained, and users can update or change their registered names if necessary.

By linking caller ID to official government records, CNAP aims to make phone communication safer and more trustworthy, reducing the risks of fraud and spam.