The National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC) has taken a firm step against the phone fraud affecting millions of users in Spain, especially those linked to the malicious use of aliases in messages such as SMS, MMS, and RCS. Through a pioneering initiative, the agency aims to protect mobile communications against impersonation techniques, popularly known as smishing.
The main objective of this new regulation is to provide greater security Consumers and businesses are warned against fraudulent messages that pretend to be from banks, electric companies, or recognized entities by using alphanumeric names instead of traditional phone numbers. This system, although it makes it easier for users to identify the source, has been exploited by scammers to steal identities and deceive recipients.
How the Alias Registry Works
From June 2026, all operators will be required to block messages whose alias is not properly registered in the new Alias registration managed by the CNMC. This measure will also apply to messages sent from providers not authorized in this registry, even if the alias is officially registered.
In practice, both companies such as public administrations or messaging service providers They must register their aliases, clearly identifying the providers authorized to use those names in the transmission of their messages. The aim is to reduce the risk of fraud and close the door to impersonation through falsified aliases, making communication more reliable and secure for users.
Public consultation and sector participation
Before establishing the final instructions on the registration and operation of the registry, the CNMC has opened a public consultation to gather input and concerns from the sector. This consultative process will be open until September 30, 2025 and consists of 24 questions divided into four main sections: from the procedure for requesting an alias, through the interoperability of the registry with other systems, to the treatment of foreign aliases that wish to operate in international roaming.
The consultation is primarily addressed to mobile operators, messaging providers and companies who use aliases in their commercial or customer service communications, although any interested organization can participate by submitting proposals through the form on the CNMC website.
This initiative arises under the regulations of the Order TDF/149/2025, which already imposed obligations to ensure the traceability and authenticity of commercial calls and messages. The measure seeks to block criminals and restore confidence in messages with aliases, which will continue to be useful but will now be much more closely monitored and audited.
Technical details and future of anti-fraud protection
The CNMC proposal addresses technical aspects such as database design that will support the Alias Registry, its integration with other regulated systems and the formulas to ensure effectiveness in the transmission of foreign aliasesIt also addresses how authorized providers' information will be managed and how they must prove the legitimacy of their aliases.
Through this consultation, the regulatory body seeks to reach an agreement with the industry on best implementation practices so that the regulations protect end users while being compatible with business operations and technological advances in the telecommunications sector.
The opinions gathered in this process will be key to defining the final instructions, including the procedure for registering aliases, the control of authorized suppliers and the technical and legal guarantees for the implementation of this registry.
The implementation of this tool will allow the reception of SMS, MMS and RCS messages by users and companies to be safer, clearer and more reliable, helping to reduce electronic scams and identity theft in the Spanish digital environment.
