What is worrying is not only the loss of communication capability but also the risk of affecting a series of digital accounts that are using phone numbers as login or authentication methods.
Phone numbers are the key to many accounts
Currently, some phones can be linked to banks, e-wallets, Zalo, social networks, email, e-commerce platforms and online public services.
If the phone number is no longer used by the account holder, users may have difficulty receiving the OTP code, verifying identity, or restoring the account in case of forgetting the password or changing the device.
For bank accounts, many applications have now switched to Smart OTP or verified directly on the application. However, phone numbers still play an important role in the process of registering, updating information or verifying accounts in many services.
Zalo has implemented user protection measures
Faced with the risk arising from recalled subscribers, Zalo said it has coordinated with Viettel to implement measures to protect user accounts.
According to this platform, the coordination is carried out on the basis of the Telecommunications Law to strengthen the verification of the right to use phone numbers and limit risks arising when subscriber numbers are revoked or changed users.
Zalo also warns users that they may face the risk of account restrictions or difficulties in using if the registered phone number is no longer under their management.
You shouldn't wait until the number is recovered
According to the current roadmap, after being locked in one direction, the subscriber still has 60 days to carry out information confirmation or verification. If they continue not to do so, the subscriber will be locked in two directions. After 5 days from the time of two-way locking, the phone number will be recovered according to regulations.
Telecommunications businesses recommend that users proactively complete confirmation immediately upon receiving notification or when detecting that the subscriber's service is restricted.
For those who are using phone numbers to link multiple digital accounts, maintaining subscriber rights not only helps ensure communication but also limits the risk of affecting financial services, communication and electronic identification.
Users should also regularly review accounts that are using phone numbers as authentication methods to promptly update when there are changes, avoiding risks during use.
