Petaling Jaya, Malaysia – CelcomDigi Berhad has expanded its digital trust initiatives by offering network-based identity verification capabilities to major global social media platforms through trusted network APIs, aiming to improve online safety and reduce risks such as fake accounts, impersonation, account takeovers and online fraud.
The announcement was made on 16 July in conjunction with World AI Day, as the company highlighted the growing need for trusted identity verification amid the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence in digital services.
As part of the initiative, CelcomDigi is collaborating with IPification, a provider of network-based authentication and mobile identity solutions, to enable mobile number verification through trusted network APIs.
The solution combines CelcomDigi’s mobile network intelligence with IPification’s authentication technology to verify that a mobile number is genuinely associated with a user without relying solely on SMS one-time passwords (OTPs). According to the company, CelcomDigi is the first telecommunications provider in Malaysia to partner with IPification for this capability.
The network-based verification services are being offered through CelcomDigi’s API-as-a-Service platform, allowing global social media platforms to strengthen identity verification during account registration, login and account recovery. The company said the technology is intended to help reduce identity fraud, fake accounts and account takeovers while improving the user experience.
T. Kugan, Chief Innovation Officer at CelcomDigi, said, “Trust is becoming one of the most important foundations of the digital economy, especially as AI is transforming how people interact, create and connect online. As we continue to lead the market and expand our API-as-a-Service capabilities, we are transforming our network into programmable digital infrastructure that powers innovation and creates value beyond connectivity. We are enabling enterprises and digital platforms to access trusted network APIs to build more secure, seamless and intelligent digital services.”
Stefan Kostic, Chief Executive Officer of IPification, said, “CelcomDigi’s leadership in opening trusted network capabilities through APIs makes them a natural partner for IPification. As our first telco partner in Malaysia, this collaboration marks an important milestone in expanding network-based authentication services in the market, enabling global digital platforms to verify users more securely while improving the customer experience.”
CelcomDigi said trusted identity signals are becoming increasingly important as social media platforms use AI for content personalisation, scam detection and moderation. Mobile number verification provides an additional layer of assurance by helping platforms verify that users are genuine, reducing the risks of impersonation and fraudulent accounts.
The company said potential applications of the technology include streamlining account onboarding, preventing fake and duplicate accounts, strengthening protection against account takeovers and identity fraud, supporting AI-powered moderation and fraud detection, and improving digital safety for users.
The initiative expands CelcomDigi’s portfolio of trusted network APIs, which already includes phone number verification services available through Google’s Firebase platform. The company said it plans to continue developing secure network capabilities to help businesses strengthen identity verification and support safer digital interactions as AI-powered services become more widespread.
