TelcoID: Mobile Network Operators as Identity Providers
Carlo Segat, Sandro Rodriguez Garzon · Procedia Computer Science · 2024
Phone numbers are globally unique identifiers that are extensively utilized in online service registration processes of verifying a user's identity. They are issued by mobile network operators (MNO) during the customer onboarding process, after performing a know-your-customer (KYC) process. In an increasing number of countries, regulatory bodies prescribe MNOs to verify customers’ identities by checking their national identity cards card during the KYC process, making the digital identity associated with a phone number trustworthy and valuable. However, MNOs do not capitalize on customers’ digital identities for anything other than offering connectivity. This paper explores how MNOs can empower their customers with trustworthy digital identities, referred to as TelcoIDs, that the customers are free to utilize for all sorts of online services. To be compliant with the latest privacy-preserving principles of the Self-sovereign Identity paradigm, a decentralized identity management system that is commonly operated and governed by different MNOs, serves as the technical foundation for TelcoIDs. The proposed concept has the potential to not only add value for customers of MNOs but also to create a new business opportunity for MNOs in the role of trustful identity providers.