TRAI Spam Control Plan: New Rules to Reduce Scams and Fraud

TRAI Spam Control Plan: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is taking steps to reduce fraud and scams associated with spam calls and messages. With the rising number of scams disguised as loan offers, cashbacks, or job opportunities, TRAI is preparing a framework that will tighten the regulation of telemarketing activities.

Consultation Paper on Spam Regulation

TRAI is set to release a consultation paper soon, which aims to establish a framework to better monitor and control spam calls and messages. This framework is expected to address gaps in the current regulations and ensure stricter oversight on telemarketing companies, which often serve as a front for fraudsters.

Challenges in Implementation

While TRAI’s move is a positive step, it faces opposition from major telecom companies like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. These companies argue that the existing spam control measures exclude key stakeholders like OTT players and telemarketers. They also claim that they are merely infrastructure providers and should not bear the additional costs of enforcing spam control measures.

A Growing Problem: Billions of Spam Messages

India witnesses an overwhelming number of commercial messages—1.5 to 1.7 billion per day, amounting to 55 billion per month. Identifying and blocking spam amidst this massive volume is a complex and costly process, making effective regulation a critical need.

What’s Next for TRAI’s Anti-Spam Plan?

TRAI is expected to consult with all stakeholders, address concerns raised by telecom companies, and finalize a framework that ensures better consumer protection against scams and fraud.