#Japan #Tokyo #SoftBank #LIQUID #Cybertrust

Enhancing Mobile Contract Verification with IC Chip Technology

In an era where mobile telecommunications scams are increasingly prevalent, SoftBank Corp. has announced an exciting collaboration with CyberTrust Inc. and Liquid, a member of the ELEMENTS Group. This partnership aims to enhance the security and convenience of online mobile contract applications by introducing a groundbreaking identification verification method.

Background of the Collaboration

According to the National Police Agency, the number of reported fraud cases involving mobile phones has grown significantly, with estimates for 2024 indicating 20,987 cases—up 10.2% from the previous year. The financial impact is equally alarming, with losses reaching 72.15 billion yen, a staggering 59.4% increase. In response, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications plans to enforce a revised law by April 2026, mandating online identity verification using IC chip technology from identification documents such as driver’s licenses and My Number cards.

The iTrust Identification Service

The iTrust Personal Identification Service developed by CyberTrust will be utilized in conjunction with Liquid's LIQUID eKYC technology to meet the new regulations. This service allows for the reading of the IC chip embedded in the My Number card, enabling a secure and convenient means of confirming identities during online mobile phone applications.

Key Features of the New System

1. Enhanced Security: By utilizing electronic certificates associated with the My Number card's IC chip, the iTrust service will provide enhanced public identification authentication, rendering the use of forged documents significantly more challenging.
2. User Convenience: Users will no longer need to input personal information such as name, address, date of birth, or gender during the application process, nor will they need to submit photographs of identification documents. This streamlining leads to quicker verification, enhancing the overall user experience.
3. Automated Verification Process: The integration of IC chip technology allows for automation in the verification process. This leads to a reduction in manual checks and expedites the approval process, thus benefiting both users and service providers by dramatically improving efficiency.

Legal Compliance and Future Directions

With the impending law changes, respected companies like CyberTrust and Liquid are pushing for broader adoption of strict identity verification standards to prevent misuse while improving service efficiency. The partnership aligns with the new legal requirements, ensuring that SoftBank remains at the forefront of secure and reliable mobile service provision.

Benefits of this Initiative

• - Prevention of Fraud: By utilizing information read from the IC chip for signature verification, the risk of using counterfeit documents is minimized.
• - Facilitated User Experience: Eliminating the need for users to upload photographs or documents expedites the verification process and avoids unnecessary hassle, greatly improving customer satisfaction.
• - Streamlined Operations for Providers: The shift to automated verification driven by IC chip technology significantly reduces the burdens associated with manual verification processes.

As CyberTrust and Liquid lead the charge in developing robust personal verification methods, SoftBank will gradually implement these new protocols in their online application processes starting in the summer of 2025, setting a standard for the industry. This collaborative effort not only marks a significant step toward combating mobile telecom fraud but also represents a commitment to enhancing customer experience by leveraging innovative technology solutions.

For more information on CyberTrust’s and Liquid's services, visit their websites and LIQUID eKYC.