 "India’s Trai Battles Rising Spam: New Regulations on Robocalls Unveiled")
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is taking steps to strengthen spam regulations due to a spike in complaints against unsolicited telemarketers, reaching 750,000 in the first half of 2024. This initiative involves a review of the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, originally established in 2018. Trai data reveals that complaints against unregistered telemarketers have risen dramatically, prompting calls for stricter measures. Trai’s new proposals include mandatory consent for automated calls and prior notification for using autodialers. They are also looking to enhance existing options that allow customers to block promotional communications. This move aims to protect consumers from spam and improve the overall experience in the telecommunications sector.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is taking significant steps to tighten regulations on spam calls and messages. Their recent review of existing spam regulations aims to address the urgent need for better control over autodialers and robocallers, largely due to the rising number of complaints against unregistered telemarketers (UTMs). In the first half of 2024 alone, complaints surged to an alarming 750,000.
TRAI has released a consultation paper to revisit the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2018. This legal framework defines spam as unsolicited commercial communication typically sent by UTMs. While previous regulations effectively reduced complaints against registered telemarketers, TRAI officials believe a complete overhaul is necessary to eliminate spam from UTMs.
The number of complaints against these rogue telemarketers has skyrocketed, jumping from 307,000 in 2020 to 1.22 million in 2023. Currently, India has about 16,000 registered telemarketers, and telecom operators are required to take action against UTMs by issuing warnings, placing usage caps, or even disconnecting services for repeat offenders.
TRAI has already blacklisted over 50 entities and disconnected more than 275,000 mobile numbers linked to questionable activities. Concerns have increased as more entities resort to using personal mobile or landline numbers for promotional calls. Data from TRAI shows that a vast majority of SIM cards make very few calls, while a tiny fraction is responsible for an overwhelming volume of calls.
In its latest proposals, TRAI suggests mandatory user consent for automated calls and prior notifications to telecom operators when autodialers are used for commercial communications. They are also considering that pre-recorded voice calls should follow an approved content template to protect consumers from fraud and harassment. Under existing rules, customers can block promotional communications and manage transactional communications, and further strengthening of these measures is on the table.
As TRAI pushes for these crucial changes, it aims to protect consumers from the rising tide of unsolicited communications that disrupt daily life.
Tags: TRAI, spam calls, telecom regulations, unregistered telemarketers, autodialers, consumer protection, India telecom
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What are rogue robocallers?
Rogue robocallers are companies or individuals who make annoying and unwanted automated phone calls, often to sell products or services. -
What is TRAI doing about spam calls?
TRAI is introducing new rules to help reduce the number of spam calls people receive, aiming to protect consumers. -
How will these new rules help me?
The new rules will make it harder for spam callers to reach you, which means you’ll get fewer unwanted calls. -
Can I report spam calls?
Yes, you can report spam calls to the authorities, and they encourage people to do so to help identify and stop these callers. - What should I do if I get a spam call?
If you receive a spam call, it’s best not to engage with the caller and consider blocking the number on your phone.
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