My noble Friend the Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Hanson of Flint) has today made the following written ministerial statement:
The telecoms fraud charter was signed on 5 November 2025 by the six major UK mobile networks and 13 business-to-business telecoms companies.
This statement provides a six-month progress update on delivery of the telecoms fraud charter, launched to strengthen the telecoms sector’s role in preventing fraud, protecting consumers and businesses, and supporting law enforcement. As set out in the fraud strategy, the Home Office has committed to report to Parliament on delivery of the charter every six months until the end of 2027.
Commitments made under the charter are on track. Several workstreams are now established and operational, demonstrating strong collective ambition to disrupt fraud at scale.
Progress is being led through two complementary groups:
The Communications Crime Strategy Group, covering the UK’s mobile network operators; and
Comms Council UK, representing the business-to-business telecoms sector.
Communications Crime Strategy Group—mobile networks
Data sharing
Cross sector workshops are under way, focusing on progressing new data sharing pilots, including opportunities involving voice data. By November 2026, we expect to see cross-sector data sharing models to be finalised and wider information sharing practices in place.
Voice fraud
An industry workstream has been established, with activity on traceback progressing, as well as planned engagement with Ofcom and cross-sector partners to improve alignment.
SMS fraud
Following a Home Office workshop, activity is progressing across the SMS workstream, with planned engagement with tech platforms on emerging messaging services such as RCS. By November 2026, we expect to see strengthened sender verification and onboarding processes across the major UK networks, with established sector-wide standards for secure messaging.
Artificial intelligence
An AI-focused industry group has been established, mapping current use across networks and developing a shared view of future risks and opportunities. By November 2026, ethical principles on AI are to be agreed and published, along with an operational intelligence sharing framework for AI-related threats.
“Stop! Think Fraud” campaign
CCSG working group is in place, with ongoing collaboration to tailor campaign messaging for mobile-specific threats and consumer behaviours.
Staff capability and victims
Industry has shared best practice, with work under way to map standards, identify learning needs, and strengthen support for staff and fraud victims. Collaboration with National Trading Standards on this is ongoing.
Collaboration with law enforcement
Strong engagement continues, with active industry groups, a dedicated eSIM working group, CCSG representation in policing forums, and industry participation in the fraud targeting cell.
Comms Council UK
Data sharing and tracing
Promotion of the National Trading Standards data sharing scheme is ongoing, alongside support for development of a traceback scheme and continued engagement with CCSG. By November 2026, findings and recommendations for sector-wide adoption on a traceback solution are to be shared with the Home Office.
Best practice and standards
Guidance for business telecoms providers has been updated and placed on a regular review cycle, with ongoing promotion to members. By November 2026, a new and updated guidance is to be shared with the Home Office.
Awareness, staff and business victims
A fraud information hub has been launched, with support for the “Stop! Think Fraud” campaign and work to improve support and guidance for business victims.
Technology and innovation
Members are sharing how new technologies, including AI-enabled tools, are being used to strengthen fraud detection and prevention.
Conclusion
At the six-month point, the telecoms fraud charter is firmly on track. Industry, Government and law enforcement are now working together through established structures, with clear momentum across all workstreams.
Government welcome the proactive approach shown by both CCSG and CCUK and will continue to work closely with them to ensure delivery over the coming year, building a more resilient telecoms ecosystem and strengthening protection for consumers and businesses alike.
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