Ofcom Bans Leasing of Phone Numbers That Threatens Mobile Users' Privacy
The U.K. Office of Communications (Ofcom) on Tuesday banned the leasing of special types of phone numbers called "Global Titles," which could jeopardize the privacy and security of mobile phone users, it said.
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Mobile networks use Global Titles to send and receive signaling messages, which help ensure that a call or text message gets to the intended recipient, Ofcom noted.
Global Titles are sometimes leased out by mobile operators, mostly to legitimate businesses that use them to offer mobile services, Ofcom said. But they can fall into the hands of criminals who could use them to intercept and divert calls and messages and to access information held by the mobile networks.
This could, for example, allow them to intercept security codes sent by banks to customers via SMS message and, in extreme cases, to track someone's physical location anywhere in the world, the regulator said. That could lead to the privacy and security of mobile users being compromised, since their personal information could be directly or indirectly accessed by criminals, it said.
The ban on new leasing arrangements is effective immediately, Ofcom said. Existing leasing arrangements must be terminated by April 22, 2026, giving legitimate businesses time to make alternative plans. The regulator also published guidance for mobile operators on their responsibilities to prevent misuse of Global Titles.