BSNL Introduces ‘Kavach’ Feature For Women’s Privacy Protection

New Privacy Feature for Women Users

  • The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has introduced its newest privacy solution called "Kavach." The company created this tool to enhance privacy protections for women who use mobile phones.
  • This feature allows women to recharge their phones at retail stores without needing to provide their actual mobile phone numbers. The system helps protect personal information. The system implements safeguards which stop unauthorized people from accessing phone numbers thus preventing users from receiving unwanted calls and safeguarding their phone number information.
  • BSNL customers across India can access the feature which functions as a national service.

How the ‘Kavach’ Feature Works

  • The Kavach feature generates a temporary 10-digit number which establishes a connection between the user and their actual phone number.
  • The system sends users their temporary number through SMS after they activate the system. Women users can share this number at any BSNL authorized retail store to complete their recharge.

System operations require users to understand three system elements:

  • The temporary number is not permanent.
  • The system operates in a manner that resembles one-time password (OTP) systems.
  • The number changes each time a user requests it.
  • The system requires users to create a new number whenever they need to recharge their account offline.

The system creates additional privacy protection because it prevents retailers from accessing the user’s actual phone number. The system creates additional privacy protection because it prevents retailers from accessing the user’s actual phone number.

Why This Feature Is Useful

Telecom companies provide online recharge services through their mobile applications and websites. Not all customers use digital payment methods.

Women who live in rural areas and tier-3 cities and tier-4 towns can access essential benefits through the Kavach feature:

  • Rural areas
  • Tier-3 cities
  • Tier-4 towns

In these locations, internet connectivity may be limited. Digital payment services may also be less common. Offline recharge at retail shops is still a common method. Kavach helps maintain privacy during these transactions.

Steps to Activate the ‘Kavach’ Feature

Women BSNL customers can activate this feature by following these steps:

  • Call 1800 180 1503 or 1500 from a BSNL mobile number.
  • Press 9 to connect with a customer care executive.
  • Request activation of the Kavach feature.
  • Follow the instructions provided by the executive.
  • Receive a temporary 10-digit number via SMS.
  • Provide this number at the retail store to complete the recharge.

Users can also activate the feature through the BSNL Self Care mobile app.