TransUnion Partners with CST-GA to Strengthen Call Authentication for Canadian Telecom Providers

TransUnion Strengthens Partnership with CST-GA to Boost Call Authentication for Canadian Telecom Providers

The Canadian Secure Token Governance Authority (CST-GA) has renewed its agreement with TransUnion to support the rollout and management of the STIR/SHAKEN call authentication system among Canadian telecommunications service providers. This move aims to combat the growing threat of phone-based fraud, especially as artificial intelligence-driven scams become more sophisticated.

Key Responsibilities and Expanded Support

Under the new agreement, TransUnion continues its role as the Secure Telephone Identity Policy Administrator (STI-PA) while also operating a Certification Authority (CA) that issues essential STIR/SHAKEN digital certificates. These certificates enable telecom companies to verify the authenticity of phone calls, reducing spoofed calls and illegal robocalls. The agreement supports recent regulatory advancements, including expanded participation among telecom providers and streamlined onboarding for new Certification Authorities approved by CST-GA.

Industry Response and Consumer Impact

Industry leaders emphasized the importance of continued investment in robust call authentication protocols. Jacques Sarrazin, President of the CST-GA, noted that these efforts help restore trust in voice communications. This is increasingly critical as incidents of AI-driven phone fraud rise. TransUnion’s research highlights this need, showing that while 77% of Canadians rely on phone calls for urgent matters, a significant percentage ignore legitimate calls or assume calls are fraudulent due to past experiences.

About CST-GA

The CST-GA is responsible for overseeing the STIR/SHAKEN framework in Canada, ensuring that telecom operators follow strict protocols to authenticate telephone calls and mitigate unwanted robocalling and spoofing. Established by Canadian telecom carriers and mandated by the CRTC, CST-GA plays a central role in maintaining secure communications across the nation.

About TransUnion

TransUnion is a global leader in information and insights, providing services in over 30 countries. In Canada, the company is renowned for its work across the financial ecosystem, helping businesses and consumers transact securely through advanced analytics, marketing, and risk solutions. TransUnion’s continued investments in technology and partnerships support its commitment to building trust and enhancing security within various industries, including telecommunications.

--- This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.