Apply new spam rules to WhatsApp, Telegram: Telcos to TRAI
What's the story
Private telecom operators in India have raised their voice against the latest spam-control rules issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The main concern raised is the exclusion of Over-The-Top (OTT) communication service providers like WhatsApp and Telegram from the rules.
The telecom companies also raised concern over the massive hike in penalties for non-compliance.
Regulatory concerns
COAI expresses disappointment over TRAI's amendment
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has expressed disappointment with TRAI's amendment to improve consumer protection against Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC).
SP Kochhar, Director General of COAI, said the changes were made without addressing all relevant issues.
He also emphasized that telecom operators now face financial penalties for non-compliance, especially for misreporting spam communications.
Appeal
Telecom operators urge TRAI to regulate telemarketers
COAI, which represents major telecom players such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, has urged TRAI to regulate delivery telemarketers (TMs) before implementing the amendment.
Kochhar suggested bringing telemarketers under a licensing regime would be an effective approach to managing UCC.
This move would give the government and regulatory authority control over entities responsible for sending such communications.
OTT debate
Telecom operators criticize TRAI's decision
Telecom operators have slammed TRAI's decision to keep OTT communication service providers out of the regulation.
They claim that the increasing spam calls and messages from these platforms lead to financial fraud.
Although this was a major demand during consultations ahead of the amended regulations, TRAI officials said last week that they had informed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) about it as OTT apps come under them.
Request
COAI urges TRAI to regulate OTT messaging apps
COAI has emphasized that despite telecom operators taking steps to curb spam, a large volume of unsolicited and also legitimate commercial communication has now moved to OTT messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Kochhar strongly urged TRAI to take their key submission into consideration and regulate these entities as well, arguing that it is illogical to regulate only TSPs and leave OTT communication services completely unregulated.