New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recently gathered key regulatory bodies for a crucial meeting aimed at enhancing consumer protections against spam and fraud, and fostering a more secure telecom environment.
TRAI Chief Anil Kumar Lahoti spearheaded the effort, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach to combat spam messages and unsolicited calls. The gathering took place on August 27, 2024, at TRAI’s headquarters in New Delhi. In attendance were members of the Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR) from major regulatory organizations such as IRDAI, PFRDA, RBI, SEBI, MoCA, MeitY, and TRAI itself. Additionally, representatives from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) were present as special guests. The JCoR serves as a collaborative platform to delve into regulatory considerations in our increasingly digital world.
Lahoti implored regulators to explore several key initiatives, including the whitelisting of URLs, APKs, OTT links, and callback numbers to ensure secure messaging and calls.
Key Discussions and Resolutions of TRAI
The meeting covered a wide range of topics, focusing on collaborative efforts and strategies to tackle Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) and fraud through telecom resources. Let’s break down the main issues discussed.
Whitelisting of URLs, APKs, OTT Links, and Callback Numbers
One of the significant points discussed was the misuse of headers and message templates. Fraudulent activities often occur through malicious links sent via variable message parts, making it challenging to trace the source. To counteract this, the committee emphasized the mandatory whitelisting of URLs, APKs, OTT links, or callback numbers. They also stressed the need to declare the complete chain of telemarketers involved, aligning with TRAI’s latest directives.
Addressing Unsolicited Calls via PRI/SIP Channels
Commercial entities often utilize SIP/PRI lines for promotional calls, sometimes with hundreds of indicators, which is against TRAI’s regulations. The meeting urged these entities to migrate to the 140 series specifically designated for promotional calls. Immediate action is required against spammers using PRI/SIP or bulk connections for promotional and prerecorded calls.
Digital Consent Acquisition (DCA) System
The telecom service providers’ DCA system, designed to obtain digital consent from consumers, was another focal point. This system benefits entities not just for messaging services but also for voice calls. The full technical infrastructure for DCA is now available, and regulators were encouraged to prompt entities within their jurisdiction to start using this facility promptly.
Utilization of the 160-Series for Service and Transactional Calls
For the easy identification of service and transactional calls, the 160 series has been allocated. TRAI and RBI commissioned a pilot study to assess the technical feasibility of various options, and the outcomes were discussed during the meeting.
TRAI is Enhancing Information Exchange Among Regulators
Lastly, the importance of information exchange among different regulatory bodies was stressed to combat fraud effectively. Sharing data and insights from various platforms can significantly aid in controlling fraudulent activities using telecom resources.
This multifaceted approach underscores the need for concerted efforts among various regulatory bodies to secure our telecom ecosystem and protect consumers from the perils of spam and fraud. Lahoti reiterated the urgency of implementing these measures, urging that swift and decisive action is paramount.
In conclusion, the meeting signified a milestone in the collective efforts to foster a secure and efficient telecom environment. It emphasized the need for continued collaboration and proactive strategies to address the ever-evolving challenges in the telecom sector. The initiatives discussed and the resolutions adopted set a robust framework for the future, aiming at making the digital space safer and more reliable for consumers.
