• French mobile operators Bouygues Telecom, Free, Orange, and SFR develop APIs to combat fraud and digital identity theft, targeting a 2025 launch.
  • The APIs, built to the GSMA’s CAMARA standard, include KYC Match and SIM Swap to enhance security for businesses and users.

What happened

French mobile operators Bouygues Telecom, Free, Orange, and SFR have joined forces to combat online fraud and digital identity theft with the development of new Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs). These APIs, named KYC Match and SIM Swap, are designed to help businesses verify customer identities and detect recent SIM card changes, reducing the risk of account takeover attacks.

The APIs are built to the GSMA’s CAMARA standard, ensuring compatibility across mobile operators and simplifying access for developers. Developed in partnership with financial institutions like BforBank and Fortuneo, the APIs are set for a commercial launch in the first half of 2025. A third API, Number Verification, is also in development to provide further authentication solutions. This initiative comes as online fraud cases and digital identity thefts in France have risen significantly, underlining the need for robust security measures.

Why it’s important

With a 37% surge in online transactions in France since the pandemic and mobile devices accounting for 77% of these, the need for secure digital identity verification has never been greater. Online fraud attempts have affected 80% of French companies, while digital identity theft cases have grown by 40% over the last four years. The KYC Match and SIM Swap APIs aim to address these challenges, providing businesses with tools to enhance security and protect customer accounts.

This initiative reflects a broader global trend, with operators worldwide developing API-based solutions to combat fraud. By aligning with the GSMA Open Gateway initiative and CAMARA standards, French operators are setting the stage for scalable, interoperable solutions that could extend to other markets. Their collaboration with fintechs and financial institutions underscores the importance of cross-industry partnerships in tackling cyber threats. As fraud tactics become increasingly sophisticated, these APIs represent a vital step towards safeguarding digital ecosystems.

Also read: Fraud fighters: French telecoms launch security APIs

Also read: What makes APIs indispensable in networking?

Focus keyphrases: French operators anti-fraud APIs; SIM Swap API

Tags:Bouygues Telecom; Orange; Free; SFR; KYC Match; SIM Swap