Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)

An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules that allow different systems or platforms to send requests or data securely.

Telstra builds and uses APIs for different kinds of purposes. Some APIs are only for internal purposes to streamline business processes, while other APIs allow us to communicate with third parties.

For example, Quantium Telstra has developed APIs in partnership with CommBank to help identify and prevent scam and fraud. These API products are designed to directly connect with our network capabilities in a secure, reliable and scalable way. This can help drive faster and more insightful outcomes. To learn more, go to Fraud and scam prevention.

CAMARA is a global telco API alliance that works in close collaboration with the GSMA Operator Platform Group to align on API requirements and definitions. It is an open-source project where telcos worldwide provide feedback that helps to define, develop and test APIs built upon network capabilities. Telstra partners with CAMARA as one of the ways to deliver API products to benefit our customers, trusted partners, and service providers that you have a relationship with.

Some examples of APIs that support authentication and fraud prevention include: 

• Number Verification API is a service that enables businesses to seamlessly confirm the ownership of a mobile phone number, replacing the need for one-time codes (OTCs). It helps to make authentication simpler during app onboarding, logins and password resets. 
• SIM Swap API is a service that enables insights into whether a SIM card has been swapped recently and other changes in SIM card status. It can assist businesses in identifying fraud or validating suspicious transactions or password resets. 
• Know Your Customer (KYC) Match API is a service that enables businesses to check whether information they hold about customers (such as contact details) aligns with information held by the customer’s telco – without any underlining personal information being returned. It can assist businesses in identifying potential fraudulent activities to improve the accuracy and security of online transactions.
• Know Your Customer (KYC) Tenure API is a service that enables businesses to check how long a customer’s mobile service has been continuously active with their telco. It can assist organisations in assessing customer legitimacy, reducing fraud risk, and supporting more informed decisions during onboarding or high-risk transactions.

Through CAMARA, we are also exploring how insights relating to communication quality, device information and location services may be of benefit to you and our trusted partners.

CAMARA capabilities are constantly evolving and this page may not always contain the latest information about our CAMARA capabilities. 

Learn more about CAMARA