- French telecom giants collaborate to launch network APIs to combat online fraud
- This initiative aims to enhance security measures, reducing phishing and fraud threats
What happened: French telecoms use network APIs to combat fraud
France’s four largest mobile operators, Bouygues Telecom, Free, Orange and SFR, on December 3 jointly launched two innovative network apis designed to combat online fraud and protect mobile users’ digital identities. This initiative, part of the global GSMA Open Gateway programme. This marks France as the first country to introduce the KYC Match API collaboratively across all major operators. The APIs, KYC Match and SIM Swap, developed under the CAMARA standard, are designed to provide app developers and businesses with enhanced tools. So as to verify customer identities and prevent account takeover fraud.
The collaboration is focused on deploying new networking APIs. It will allow businesses to verify customer identities directly using real-time data from telecom networks. Launched in France, the APIs comply with GDPR and other regulatory frameworks, ensuring customer data privacy.
“Bouygues Telecom is delighted to launch these new APIs in CAMARA format. This reflects our ability to innovate and work jointly with other French operators to protect our customers from fraud”, said Chrystel Abadie Truchet, deputy general manager at Bouygues Telecom.
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What it’s important
This initiative by French operators addresses a pressing global issue, as online fraud costs businesses billions annually. The use of APIs for real-time authentication has already been successful in other contexts. By enabling real-time authentication through APIs, French operators aim to create a safer online environment, mitigating risks for businesses and customers alike. The effort aligns with global trends, where companies increasingly use network-level authentication to enhance digital trust. For instance, small e-commerce firms in India have benefited from similar systems provided by Jio and Airtel, where customer verification via mobile networks has reduced fraudulent transactions by 30%. Small businesses, often lacking advanced cybersecurity resources, stand to gain the most from such collaborations.
On a broader scale, this move aligns with the growing trend of industry-wide partnerships to combat cybercrime. In the UK, the Mobile Ecosystem Forum’s similar project saw a 15% reduction in SMS phishing (smishing) scams in its first year. While promising, critics argue that reliance on such technologies could lead to over-centralization, potentially creating vulnerabilities if networks are compromised. However, with strict adherence to GDPR, France’s approach serves as a model for balancing security and privacy.
