Caller Name Displayed for Unknown Numbers as Government Introduces New System
India’s government has launched a trial for the CNAP (Calling Name Presentation) system, displaying names of unknown callers based on Aadhaar-linked KYC details during SIM registration.
CNAP functions like an official Truecaller alternative, pulling verified caller names from government servers to show on the recipient’s screen for incoming calls. It prioritizes the registered name for unknown numbers, then overlays saved contacts if available, aiming to curb spam, fraud, and telemarketing.
Trials began in telecom circles like Haryana and Himachal Pradesh as of November 2025, with full implementation targeted by March 31, 2026, across Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea on 4G/5G networks. The feature activates by default, excluding 2G users and those with CLIR (Caller Line Identification Restriction) for privacy, such as officials.
No action is needed to enable CNAP, but opt-out is available via a specific process for those preferring anonymity. TRAI and DoT conducted prior tests in Mumbai and Haryana to ensure reliability.
