Amid the rapid growth of digital payments in India, a major step is being planned to protect users’ personal information. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is working with banks and major UPI application providers to develop a system under which users’ complete mobile numbers will no longer be visible during UPI transactions. Instead, the number will be displayed in a partially masked format.
The objective of this initiative is to make digital payments more secure and reduce the misuse of mobile numbers by cybercriminals. Currently, some information related to the identity of the payer and receiver is visible during several UPI transactions. Once the new system is implemented, the privacy of users’ personal data is expected to improve further.
The NPCI initiative comes at a time when UPI-based payments are witnessing continuous growth across the country. In June, the total value of transactions conducted through UPI reached nearly ₹25 lakh crore. More than 600 banks are currently connected to the UPI network, making it one of India’s largest digital payment platforms.
How the New System Will Work
According to the proposed framework, the complete mobile number will not be displayed while making payments through UPI apps or while checking previous transaction details. Instead, only limited digits of the mobile number may be shown. The system may display the first or last four digits, while the remaining numbers will remain hidden.
The change may not be limited only to the payment screen but could also be introduced in transaction history, payment confirmation pages and other areas linked to user information. However, before implementation, NPCI will hold discussions with banks and UPI application companies to finalize technical and operational requirements. The final guidelines will be issued after reaching an agreement among all stakeholders.
Cyber Fraud Risks Expected to Reduce
Cybersecurity experts believe that limiting the visibility of mobile numbers will make it more difficult for criminals to identify potential victims. At present, cyber fraudsters often misuse mobile numbers, names and payment-related information to target people through fake calls, messages and social engineering techniques.
Experts say that masking mobile numbers can help reduce risks related to phishing, identity theft and unauthorized communication. However, they also emphasize that hiding mobile numbers alone will not be enough, and users will continue to need awareness about cybersecurity practices.
With the increasing adoption of digital payments, online fraud cases have also increased. Cybercriminals are using new methods to deceive people by pretending to be bank officials, UPI support representatives and government authorities. Therefore, strengthening data protection measures on digital payment platforms has become a major priority.
Benefits for Common Users
Once implemented, the new system will provide greater protection to users’ personal information. The chances of mobile numbers being unnecessarily exposed will decrease, reducing the risk of personal details reaching unknown individuals.
The move is also expected to increase public confidence in digital payment platforms. Experts believe that the success of UPI does not depend only on fast and convenient transactions but also on maintaining strong security standards to ensure long-term reliability.
The NPCI initiative is being considered an important step towards improving data privacy in India’s digital payment ecosystem. However, the final rules and timeline for implementation will be decided only after technical evaluation and discussions with banks and other stakeholders are completed.
