From The Economic Times · PTI · · 2m
India's telecom regulator cracks down on spam calls
TRAI introduces AI detection, automated call rules, and new penalties to fight the escalating spam crisis.
In brief
TRAI introduces AI detection, automated call rules, and new penalties to fight the escalating spam crisis. India's telecom regulator now requires AI-based spam detection, mandatory declaration of automated calls, and levies penalties up to 5 paise per minute on undeclared robocalls. Originally reported by The Economic…
TRAI tightens spam rules with AI
India's telecom regulator introduced AI-based detection of suspected spam numbers, bringing automated and robocalls under regulatory oversight for the first time.
Call apps must share spam data
Call management applications can only offer spam reporting features to users if they share spam information with telecom operators.
Protected number series stay safe
Call apps are prohibited from blanket blocking numbers in the 1600, 1601, and 140 series used for legitimate service, transactional, and promotional calls.
Seven-day follow-up limit set
Companies can send no more than seven days of follow-up commercial messages after a customer makes a written or digital inquiry about their product or service.
AI flags trigger faster action
Three or more unique complaints within 10 days combined with telecom AI detection can trigger immediate investigation and graded action against suspected spammers.
Automated calls need declaration
Application-to-person calls, including robocalls and pre-recorded messages, now require mandatory prior declaration to telecom providers with details of numbers used.
Undeclared calls face penalties
Undeclared automated calls are treated as spam and face a termination charge of up to 5 paise per minute as a deterrent against misuse.
Consumers can appeal decisions
Customers can now appeal spam complaint resolutions within 15 days through the Appellate Authority, using existing channels like the do-not-disturb app or 1909.
Telemarketers face blacklisting
Telemarketers found misusing headers or templates face disconnection of all telecom resources for one year and permanent blacklisting.
Operators must enforce compliance
Telecom operators are now required to include mandatory conditions in agreements with senders and telemarketers to ensure regulatory compliance.
What it means
India's telecom regulator now requires AI-based spam detection, mandatory declaration of automated calls, and levies penalties up to 5 paise per minute on undeclared robocalls.
