French Mobile Operators Join Forces to Combat Online Fraud with New Network APIs

Accelerating Digital Security: The GSMA Open Gateway Initiative

In a major move to enhance online security and combat rising digital fraud, France's top mobile operators - Bouygues Telecom, Free, Orange, and SFR - are launching two new network APIs as part of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. These APIs, named KYC Match and SIM Swap, are specifically designed to assist online businesses in verifying customer identities and protecting their users from fraud.

Context of the Initiative

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed the landscape of online transactions in France, with reports indicating a 37% increase in online activities since its onset. In 2023 alone, French consumers conducted transactions worth €2.35 billion, with a staggering 77% of these actions occurring via mobile devices. However, this surge in digital engagement has also led to significant increases in online fraud, with 80% of French businesses reporting attempted fraud incidents and a 40% increase in identity theft over the past four years.

Given this alarming trend, the need for enhanced digital security measures is clearer than ever. The new APIs aim to establish a robust framework for identity verification in the mobile sector, leveraging state-of-the-art technology to provide businesses with essential tools to verify the identities of online customers.

The Power of KYC Match and SIM Swap

The KYC (Know Your Customer) Match API is the first of its kind to be introduced in France, offering companies a reliable method for verifying customer identities during online transactions. This API aligns with the CAMARA standard, which aims to unify specifications among mobile operators, thus ensuring a smooth and effective integration into various business models.

The SIM Swap API, on the other hand, focuses on preventing fraud associated with unauthorized SIM changes, a common tactic used by cybercriminals to compromise accounts. By implementing these APIs, companies can add another layer of protection for their customers, which is crucial in maintaining trust and security in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Collaborative Efforts in Testing and Deployment

The implementation of these new APIs comes after rigorous testing and development undertaken in collaboration with financial institutions such as BforBank and Fortuneo. These banks leverage the KYC Match API to scrutinize new customer applications, and over twenty companies in various sectors are already employing these telecom APIs to safeguard their operations.

As online fraud continues to evolve, the GSMA Open Gateway initiative stands as a testament to the proactive steps being taken in the telecommunications sector. By fostering collaboration among operators worldwide, the initiative aims to create interoperable digital products that function seamlessly across different networks and devices.

A Global Movement

The GSMA Open Gateway has attracted a solid coalition of mobile network operators and partners, with 67 mobile network groups from across the globe collaborating to tackle challenges in the digital ecosystem. With three-quarters of the world's mobile connections represented, the initiative underscores a commitment to not only advancing technology but also prioritizing customer safety.

For French consumers and businesses, the introduction of the KYC Match and SIM Swap APIs marks a significant step forward in the battle against online fraud. As these measures roll out, stakeholders across the digital landscape will benefit from enhanced security, laying a stronger foundation for safe online interactions. This collaborative framework promises to not only protect identities but also foster greater trust in the digital marketplace.

In conclusion, the strategic launch of these network APIs represents a pivotal moment for the French telecommunications industry as it aligns itself with global efforts to secure online environments against emerging threats. The partnership between Bouygues Telecom, Free, Orange, and SFR symbolizes a unified front to address our digital future with fortitude and resilience.