India’s Telecom Cybersecurity Draft Rules 2025: Key Amendments and Strategic Shifts in Digital Trust

Sameer Ahirrao -

As India continues to modernize its digital infrastructure and regulatory ecosystem, the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment Draft Rules, 2025 introduce landmark changes aimed at strengthening cyber resilience in the telecom sector. These amendments reflect the government’s intention to improve transparency, accountability, and data protection across entities that rely on telecom identifiers.

In this blog, we examine the most crucial updates and analyze their impact on Telecom Identifier User Entities (TIUEs), telecom service providers, digital platforms, and public stakeholders.

1. Expanded Scope: New Definitions Introduced

To clarify the scope and regulatory jurisdiction, new draft definitions have been added to Rule 2:

  • Licensee: A person licensed to provide telecom services under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
  • TIUE (Telecommunication Identifier User Entity): Any non-licensee entity (such as fintechs, OTT platforms, or delivery services) using telecom identifiers (like mobile numbers) for user/customer verification or service delivery.
  • MNV Platform (Mobile Number Validation Platform): A centralized validation mechanism to verify if a telecom identifier provided by a user matches the licensee’s or authorized entity’s database.

These definitions formalize the role of various players in India’s digital economy and clarify compliance responsibilities.

2. Data Sharing and Monitoring Obligations Expanded

Draft Amendments to Rule 3 authorize the government to seek telecom identifier-related data from TIUEs, enhancing traceability and oversight of telecom-linked services. This measure strengthens the legal framework for security monitoring and aligns with evolving cyber threat landscapes.

2. Swift Response in Public Interest: Rule 5 Revamped

As per the draft amendments, Rule 5, which deals with enforcement actions, has been enhanced for agility:

  • The Central Government can now issue immediate suspension orders for telecom identifiers, without prior notice, if deemed necessary in the public interest.
  • Both telecom entities and TIUEs may be directed to suspend or discontinue services linked to compromised identifiers.
  • Authorities can now also permanently prohibit the use of specific identifiers by both licensees and TIUEs if violations persist or pose security risks.

This reflects a more proactive, risk-based approach to telecom cybersecurity enforcement.

4. Mobile Number Validation (MNV): New Rule 7A

The introduction of draft Rule 7A marks a pivotal shift in India’s telecom security framework.

Key Features:

  • The MNV platform will be the central mechanism for validating telecom identifiers.
  • TIUEs, government bodies, or authorized agencies can place validation requests on the platform.
  • Authorized entities and licensees must respond to MNV requests in the manner prescribed by the government.
  • Data protection compliance is mandatory during the validation process.

Why It Matters: This draft rule is particularly significant for private entities that rely on mobile numbers for digital onboarding, KYC, and service delivery. It promotes trust and helps curb identity spoofing, fraud, and unauthorized access.

5. IMEI Control and Used Device Market Regulation:

As per the draft amendments, Rule 8 has been enhanced to address the misuse of tampered devices and IMEIs:

  • Device manufacturers must not reuse existing IMEIs from Indian networks.
  • A centralized IMEI blacklist database will be maintained for tracking tampered or restricted devices.
  • Entities involved in used telecom equipment sales must check IMEI records and pay a nominal fee (₹10 per IMEI) before transactions.
  • This provision protects consumers and strengthens supply chain integrity in India’s growing second-hand device market.

6. Structured Fee Schedule for Validation Requests

The draft rules include a transparent fee structure for mobile number validation under Rule 7A.

A portion of these fees is allocated to authorized validating entities and licensees, ensuring sustainability of the MNV ecosystem.

Final Thoughts: A Strategic Cybersecurity Milestone

The 2025 amendment to India’s Telecom Cyber Security draft Rules signifies more than just procedural updates, it introduces a systemic framework for securing identity-linked digital services. By formalizing the role of TIUEs and enabling mobile number validation via a government-backed platform, the amendment paves the way for:

  • Enhanced national cyber resilience
  • Improved digital identity verification
  • Stronger enforcement powers for the government
  • Reduced scope for fraud and telecom misuse

As digital transformation accelerates, these draft rules place India at the forefront of telecom security innovation. Stakeholders, especially private digital platforms and service providers, must realign their processes to ensure compliance, security, and trust in the evolving telecom landscape.

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