In a significant move to enhance online security and combat the rampant issue of digital identity theft, Malaysia’s telecommunication giants have united under the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. During the recent Digital Nation Summit in Kuala Lumpur, key players including CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, Telekom Malaysia, and YTL Communications unveiled their federated network service, setting a new standard for security in the digital landscape.
This collaborative initiative aims to empower enterprise developers, such as banks and online retailers, by providing them with federated access to the Number Verification API. This API, one of the GSMA Open Gateway offerings and built upon the international Camara standard, revolutionizes identity verification processes. It enables businesses to authenticate mobile users by matching their phone numbers with real-time network data, presenting a far more secure alternative to traditional SMS one-time passwords. It’s like swapping your old lock for a biometric safe—only better.
CelcomDigi’s Acting CEO, Albern Murty, champions this collaboration as a pivotal leap for Malaysia’s digital ecosystem. “This collaboration is a technological milestone that represents how Malaysia’s operators can collectively lead in shaping a trusted and inclusive digital future,” he stated. Murty emphasized the importance of creating a seamless environment that not only protects consumers from scams but also fosters innovation throughout the ASEAN region.
Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng echoed this sentiment, highlighting their experience with the Number Verification API in combatting digital fraud, through initiatives like their Mobile Identity solution for Malaysian enterprises. “We are committed to this industry-wide collaboration to accelerate API-driven innovation, creating a more seamless mobile experience and building a more secure digital Malaysia for everyone,” he affirmed.
U Mobile’s Chief Information Officer, Neil Tomkinson, pointed out that the multi-party engagement in this initiative is key to enhancing online safety: “Information sharing, along with strategic policy enforcement, will definitely enhance customer experience and safety online,” he asserted.
The federated model introduced by this initiative allows developers to create digital services that operate across all participating telecom operators while each retains control over its own data and revenue streams. This is a welcome change from the current need for developers to integrate independently with each operator’s APIs, simplifying the development process significantly.
Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM Group CEO, remarked on the initiative as a vital step towards safeguarding businesses and consumers from digital fraud while propelling growth in the digital economy. He described the collaboration as essential for providing trusted and sovereign digital solutions.
YTL Communications CEO Wing K. Lee added that their commitment to building a trusted digital economy will be bolstered through the GSMA Open Gateway programme. He highlighted their investment in AI Cloud infrastructure and innovative technologies as crucial for fostering an inclusive and secure digital ecosystem.
Julian Gorman, GSMA Head for Asia-Pacific, praised the Malaysian initiative, noting that standardized access to mobile network capabilities is vital for combating online crime. His remarks come on the heels of a similar collaboration in Indonesia, where key operators have also adopted a unified API protocol.
This announcement coincided with new GSMA research outlining a rising consumer apprehension towards scams and fraud in Southeast Asia. Gorman cautioned that unless action is taken to address these issues, trust in digital services could be severely compromised. He called for a unified front consisting of governments, banks, and technology stakeholders to align on security protocols and enhance public awareness.
What is the purpose of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative in Malaysia?
The GSMA Open Gateway initiative aims to strengthen online security by providing a federated network service that helps businesses identify mobile users, enhancing protection against digital fraud and identity theft.
How does the Number Verification API work?
The Number Verification API allows businesses to verify the identity of mobile users by matching their phone numbers with real-time data from the network, offering a more secure alternative to SMS one-time passwords.
What benefits does the federated model offer developers?
The federated model enables developers to create digital services that work seamlessly across participating operators without having to integrate separately with each operator’s APIs, making the development process more efficient.
