Vi Launches SVM For Its Subscribers With Meta's Assistance

New Delhi: In a move to provide an enhanced protection to users against phishing and digital identity risks, Vodafone Idea (Vi) on Thursday partnered with Meta to deliver safer, faster and seamless verification for Vi customers across Meta platforms.

Vi announced the launch of silent mobile verification (SMV) capabilities for its subscribers across Meta platforms - WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram. “The SMV is a secure, network-based authentication technology that verifies a user's mobile number in the background without requiring manual entry of verification credentials, switching between apps, or waiting for verification messages,” the company said in a statement.

When a VIL user accesses WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram on the telco's mobile network, the verification request is validated through the network itself. “Vi users may experience SMV-supported journeys across scenarios such as new user registration, mobile number verification, login and re-login, account recovery, and authentication during security checks,” the statement said.

India's booming digital ecosystem is seeing sharp focus from stakeholders and government-led initiatives for fraud prevention and trusted authentication. In this backdrop, the network-based verification technologies are emerging, as enablers to improve trust in digital services. “The telecom networks are increasingly playing an important role in enabling safer digital experiences,” said Vi CEO Abhijit Kishore.

“Through our partnership with Meta, we are enabling SMV capabilities that enhance cyber safety and reduce fraud risks, while creating seamless authentication experiences for users across some of the country's most widely used digital platforms,” Kishore added.