In a notable update for India’s telecom sector, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is set to implement new traceability rules on November 1, 2024. These regulations mandate telecom operators to track the origins of service and transactional messages sent by banks, e-commerce companies, and other financial institutions. Under the new framework, telecom companies must also block messages if any break in the sending chain is detected.
Telecom Companies Request Delay to Ensure Preparedness
Telecom companies in India have voiced concerns about the tight implementation timeline. With many key enterprises (PEs) and telemarketers unprepared for the mandate, companies anticipate that message deliveries, including OTPs and other essential notifications, may be disrupted. While telecom operators are prepared to comply by November, major institutions have requested a two-month extension to complete necessary system adjustments, which could prevent any potential disruptions to message delivery.
Launch of the International Spoofed Calls Prevention System
Alongside these new messaging rules, Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia announced the launch of the “International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System.” This initiative aims to safeguard Indian telecom users from cybercrimes involving international spoofed calls masked as domestic (+91) numbers. Spoofed calls, often manipulated through caller ID tricks, have been used in various scams, with criminals impersonating government officials to deceive victims.
TRAI’s Action Against Spoofed Calls and Financial Scams
The TRAI initiative targets international spoofed calls that appear to originate from within India. These calls are exploited by cybercriminals in scams where they impersonate law enforcement officials, often using video calls to intensify pressure on victims. TRAI’s new system is part of a broader strategy to combat the rise in digital scams affecting Indian users. By blocking spoofed numbers and identifying suspect calls, TRAI aims to protect citizens from falling prey to financial fraud and cyber threats.
Conclusion
TRAI’s new traceability mandate and the spoofed calls prevention system represent two pivotal regulatory actions in India’s telecom landscape. While the upcoming rules could temporarily disrupt OTP and transaction message deliveries, they are expected to enhance the security and traceability of digital communications.
