TRAI Intensifies Fight Against Spam Calls and SMS Abuse

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29th Oct. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced significant initiatives to combat spam calls and the misuse of SMS headers and content templates by fraudulent entities. These actions aim to protect consumer interests and create a secure messaging environment.

Key Actions Taken:

1. Stringent Measures Against Spam Calls: On August 13, 2024, TRAI issued directives mandating strict penalties for entities making promotional voice calls in violation of regulations. Consequences include disconnection of all telecom resources, blacklisting for up to two years, and a ban on new resource allocation during the blacklisting period. To date, over 800 entities and individuals have been blacklisted, resulting in the disconnection of more than 18 lakh SIP DID, mobile numbers, and other telecom resources.
2. Mandatory Whitelisting of Links: TRAI’s directions dated August 20, 2024, have led access providers to implement mandatory whitelisting of URLs, APKs, and OTT links in messages, effective October 1, 2024. This measure ensures that only safe and approved links are transmitted via SMS, protecting consumers from harmful or fraudulent websites and applications.
3. Migration to Blockchain for Telemarketing Calls: Starting October 1, 2024, telemarketing calls using the 140xx numbering series have been migrated to a Distributed Ledger Technology (Blockchain) platform to enhance monitoring and control.
4. Enhanced Message Traceability: Access providers are adopting technical solutions to ensure traceability of entities involved in message delivery. This system tracks each handler of the message from sender to recipient, defining a Principal Entity (PE) and Telemarketer (TM) chain. TRAI’s directive on October 28, 2024, requires all PE and TM chains to be declared by Access Providers. Entities failing to comply will receive daily warnings until November 30, 2024. After this date, any messages without a defined chain will be rejected.

These measures mark a significant step towards maintaining a cleaner and more secure telecommunications ecosystem in India.