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Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment Rules, 2025: Strengthening Mobile Number Validation and IMEI compliance in India

Kriti
Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment

On 22-10-2025, the Ministry of Communications notified the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment Rules, 2025 to amend the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024. The provisions came into force on 22-10-2025.

Key Points:

  1. New terms introduced:

    • “licensee”- a person holding a license to provide telecommunications services;

    • “MNV platform”- mobile number validation platform established to enable validation by authorized entities and licensees as regards whether telecommunication identifiers specified by TIUE customers or users, correspond to the users as present in the database of an authorized entity or licensee.

    • “TIUE (telecommunication identifier user entity)”– a person, other than a licensee or authorized entity, which uses telecommunication identifiers for the identification of its customers or users, or for provisioning, or delivery of services.

  2. Rule 7-A relating to “Validation of telecommunications identifiers” has been introduced:

    • This provision enables the Central Government to ensure telecom cyber security and prevent security incidents by establishing a MNV platform and issue directions to authorized entities and licensees to participate on this platform.

    • The following entities can place a request on MNV platform upon payment of fees and seek validation as to whether the telecommunication identifiers as specified by their customers or users, correspond to the users as available in the database of an authorized entity or licensee:

      • A TIUE (telecommunication identifier user entity)- either suo moto, or upon a direction from Central or State Government or an agency authorised by the Central or State Government;

      • The Central Government or State Government or any agency authorised by the Central Government or State Government.

    Exception: in case where a TIUE (telecommunication identifier user entity) places a request suo moto, the decision will be in the hands of the Central Government.

    • The fees charged for use of the MNV platform will be shared between the Central Government or its agency that has established and maintains the MNV platform and the authorized entity or licensee providing the validation services.

    • The mobile number validation under this rule will facilitate validation of customers/ users associated with a telecommunication identifier for the purpose of services linked to such identifier.

  3. The obligations relating to telecommunication identifier and telecommunication equipment have been revised:

    • The Central Government can issue directions to manufacturers of telecommunication equipment bearing International Mobile Equipment Identity (‘IMEI’) number not to assign IMEIs that are already in use in telecommunication networks in India to new telecommunication equipment that are manufactured in India or imported to India from the date specified by the Central Government on the portal.

    • The Central Government can maintain a database of IMEIs which are tampered/ whose use has been restricted.

    • Anyone selling/ buying used telecom equipment with IMEI number in India will have to first check the Government database upon paying the required fee and ensure that the equipment is not listed in that database before proceeding with sale/ purchase.

    • Every manufacturer/ importer of any telecommunications equipment that bears IMEI number will have to ensure compliance with the directions issued by the Central Government.

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