New Delhi: In a significant move to combat the rising tide of spam calls and SMS scams, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has implemented stringent measures to ensure a cleaner and safer telecom ecosystem.
Key Measures Implemented by TRAI:
- Zero Tolerance for Spam Calls: TRAI has issued strict directives against entities making unsolicited promotional calls. Violators face severe penalties, including disconnection of telecom resources and blacklisting. Over 800 entities have already been blacklisted, and millions of telecom resources have been disconnected.
- Mandatory URL, APK, and OTT Link Whitelisting: To protect consumers from malicious links, TRAI has mandated that access providers whitelist all URLs, APKs, and OTT links in SMS messages. This ensures that only verified and safe links can be sent to users.
- Blockchain-Based Telemarketing: Telemarketing calls originating from the 140xx numbering series have been migrated to a blockchain platform. This enables enhanced monitoring and control over telemarketing activities.
- Enhanced Message Traceability: Access providers are now required to implement robust systems to trace the origin and journey of SMS messages. This includes identifying the Principal Entity (PE) and Telemarketers (TMs) involved in the message delivery process.
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By implementing these measures, TRAI aims to safeguard consumer interests, reduce the nuisance of spam calls, and prevent the spread of fraudulent messages. These steps are expected to significantly improve the overall quality of telecom services in India.