The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced a one-month extension for telecom operators to implement a new traceability mandate for commercial messages, including one-time passwords (OTPs). The new deadline is now December 1, a move aimed at addressing the increasing concerns around spam and phishing in the telecom industry.
This decision follows feedback from major operators like Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, and Reliance Jio, who voiced worries about potential disruptions if messages that don’t comply with the new rules were suddenly blocked. Many telemarketers and businesses, including banks, may not be fully ready for this transition, raising fears that essential communication could be interrupted, impacting customer service.
Starting November 1, TRAI’s new rules require all SMS messages, including OTPs, to be traceable. This aims to reduce spam but may disrupt critical alerts from banks and e-commerce platforms if not properly implemented, leading telecom companies to seek an extension. #TRAI pic.twitter.com/Ir3DJ2n8iL— भारत 🇮🇳 (@For_Bharat_) October 26, 2024
To help ease these concerns, TRAI is allowing for a gradual rollout of the new regulations. From now until November 30, telecom operators will send daily warnings to entities that fail to meet the required chain declaration standards. Starting December 1, any messages from non-compliant entities will be blocked, highlighting the importance of following the new guidelines.
This is the second time TRAI has adjusted the timeline for these changes. Previously, the deadline for whitelisting messages containing URLs and Over-The-Top (OTT) links was extended to October 1. These adjustments reflect TRAI’s commitment to improving security and reducing spam in the telecom sector.
The traceability mandate is part of a larger strategy to enhance telecommunications security. TRAI plans to blacklist non-compliant entities, disconnect mobile numbers linked to fraudulent activities, and move telemarketing calls to a blockchain-based platform for better monitoring. These measures aim not only to protect consumers but also to create a more trustworthy communication environment.
As December 1 approaches, telecom operators are under pressure to ensure compliance and safeguard users from spam and phishing threats. The gradual implementation allows businesses time to adapt their systems to meet the new requirements. The goal is to significantly reduce unwanted communications and provide a safer experience for everyone in the telecom ecosystem.
TRAI’s extension shows an understanding of the challenges facing the industry while emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures. With the deadline approaching, all stakeholders must work together to ensure compliance and contribute to a more secure telecommunications landscape in India.
SEE ALSO: Bengaluru Man Gifts Mom An iPhone 15 For Diwali; Sparks Heartwarming Reactions On The Internet
