GSMA unveils solution for online authentication via mobile nos

Global telecom industry body GSMA on Tuesday announced the launch of Mobile Connect, a mobile-based authentication solution that allows users to create and manage their digital identity across apps and services, using their mobile numbers. The Mobile Connect services will be offered by six telecom operators - Bharti Airtel, Idea, Vodafone, Aircel, Tata Teleservices and Telenor - to over 80 crore subscribers across India. "This is a single intutive and secure mobile-based authentication solution that enables customers to safely access online services on their mobile devices without worrying about privacy or passwords," Mats Granryd, Director General, GSMA said.

Simply put, the solution uses an individual's mobile number for authentication, enabling them to digitally confirm their identity and access mobile and digital services. In effect, Mobile Connect works by employing the users' unique mobile number combined with a unique PIN (for more secure cases), to verify and grant online access. As Mobile Connect is rolled out in India, it will be commercially used by a range of digital service providers including GaneshaSpeaks, GoIbibo, Trupay, Twigly, Zee Digital Group and Zomato, covering areas such as commerce, finance and banking, health services, media and entertainment and travel and hospitality.

Also, business-to-business Mobile Connect services have been deployed by BuyHatke and Times Mobile Ltd., enabled by mXpresso and will help in prevention of fraud installations and fake application downloads.