Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced a mandate requiring telecom firms to block messages containing unregistered Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), over-the-top (OTT) links, Android Application Packages (APKs), or call-back numbers starting from 1st September 2024.The new rule, aimed at reducing spam and phishing attempts, requires institutions to register and whitelist (or allowlist – a list of acceptable entities) their numbers to send one-time passwords (OTPs), which may impact banks and services using OTPs for transactional alerts or authentication.
Telecom companies will now need to verify the content of messages before delivery, enhancing security.TRAI has also mandated that telemarketing calls starting with the 140-series (assigned to telemarketers) will have to be migrated to an online DLT (digital ledger technology) platform or on blockchain to enable better monitoring.To further curb spam, telecom operators are directed to monitor and disconnect bulk connections used for promotional and spam calls.TRAI was established in 1997 by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, to regulate telecom services, including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services which were earlier vested in the Central Government. Its headquarters is in New Delhi.
Its main objective is to provide a fair and transparent policy environment that promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
- The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was established on 20th February, 1997 by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
- TRAI’s mission is to create and nurture conditions for growth of telecommunications in the country.
- TRAI regulates telecom services including fixation/revision of tariffs for telecom services which were earlier vested in the Central Government.
- It also aims to provide a fair and transparent policy environment which promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.
- Headquarters: The head office of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is located at New Delhi.
Composition of TRAI
- Members: The TRAI consists of a Chairperson, two whole-time members and two part-time members, all of which are appointed by the Government of India.
- Tenure of Members: The Chairperson and other members shall hold their office for a term of three years or till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- Chairperson: The Chairperson has the powers of general superintendence.He/She presides over the meetings of the TRAI.
- Vice-Chairperson: The Central Government may appoint one of the members of the Authority as the Vice-Chairperson of TRAI.The vice-chairperson exercises and discharges the powers and functions of the Chairperson in his/her absence.
Removal of Members: The Central Government is empowered to remove any member of the TRAI, if he/she:
- has been adjudged an insolvent
- has been convicted of an offence which involves moral turpitude
- has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as a member
- has abused his/her position, rendering his/her continuance in office prejudicial to the public interest.