Brastel Introduces Digital Agency Identity Verification for the My 050 Number Service
2026-04-01 Brastel Co., Ltd.
Brastel Introduces Digital Agency Identity Verification for the My 050 Number Service
Brastel Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Tokyo; hereinafter “Brastel”) will introduce a new online identity verification (eKYC) method for its IP telephony service “My 050”, utilizing the Digital Agency’s Digital Authentication App, starting from April 1, 2026.
“My 050” is an IP phone service that provides calling functionality via 050 numbers through a smartphone application, offering communication services to users in Japan (both Japanese nationals and foreign residents).
This initiative aims to comply with legal revisions and government policies while further enhancing the security of identity verification in online contracts. The new method enables more secure and reliable identity verification by using the Digital Agency’s Digital Authentication App in combination with IC chip authentication from the My Number card.
Background
In recent years, the increase in the following crimes has become a serious social issue:
Fraud conducted via phone calls and SMS
Unauthorized use of bank accounts
Theft of personal information through phishing and impersonation
To address these issues, the Japanese government has been promoting stricter and more digitalized identity verification procedures. The new process has been introduced in response to regulatory updates related to:
the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds, and
the Act on Prevention of Improper Use of Mobile Phones.
Previous Identity Verification Method
Until now, Brastel used an AI-based eKYC process that compared ID document images with a selfie for online (non-face-to-face) applications for 050 numbers.
For foreign residents, the process required:
Submission of a Residence Card image and selfie verification (first verification stage)
Submission of the original Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) (second verification stage)
For Japanese nationals, the process required:
Submission of a driver’s license or My Number Card image and selfie verification (first verification stage)
Submission of a Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo) (second verification stage)
New Identity Verification Method (Starting April 1, 2026)
From April 1, 2026, identity verification for My 050 applications will use My Number Card IC chip authentication via the Digital Agency application.
Users will need the following:
A valid My Number Card
A smartphone with NFC capability
The Digital Agency identity verification application
Verification Process
The customer logs into the Brastel My Account Page and applies for a My 050 number.
The customer downloads the Digital Agency identity verification app.
The customer enters his PIN (4 digits) to log in to the app and a password for the signature electronic certificate (6–16 alphanumeric characters).
The smartphone’s NFC function reads the IC chip of the My Number Card.
After authentication, a digital signature is sent to Brastel, completing identity verification.
After the customer confirms and submits the application, Brastel’s back office verifies eligibility and issues the 050 number.
Benefits of the New System
Faster Procedures
Customers will no longer need to mail a Certificate of Residence, allowing identity verification to be completed entirely online.
Enhanced Security
Using the government-provided application, IC chip authentication, and digital signatures enables a more secure and reliable identity verification process.
Brastel will continue to leverage digital technologies to provide secure and convenient telecommunications services.
