The Indian government has recently enacted the Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Amendment Rules, 2025, which significantly expand regulations on digital services that utilize mobile numbers, including apps and platforms like WhatsApp, Zomato, and Paytm. Effective immediately, these rules empower authorities to suspend user accounts across multiple services if flagged for security concerns, addressing a notable rise in cybercrime that resulted in financial fraud losses escalating from ₹7,465 crore in 2023 to ₹22,845 crore in 2024. Central to the regulations is a newly established Mobile Number Verification (MNV) platform, which will allow entities like banks and financial institutions to verify customer identities by cross-referencing mobile numbers with telecom providers’ databases. While some stakeholders in the tech industry have raised concerns about the potential overreach and privacy implications of these rules, officials have clarified that they primarily target licensed telecom operators. The necessity of such measures is underscored by the alarming surge in cybercrime cases, with over 740,000 incidents reported in the first four months of 2024, predominantly linked to financial fraud. These regulatory changes highlight the Indian government’s commitment to fortifying cybersecurity in the digital economy, aiming to create a safer environment for citizens and businesses alike.