TRAI Tightens Rules to Curb Spam Calls and Text Messages

TRAI Tightens Rules to Curb Spam Calls and Text Messages

22-03-2025
  1. In a significant move to combat the menace of spam and unsolicited commercial communication (UCC), the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has notified an amendment to the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2018, on February 12, 2025.
  2. These new rules aim to enhance customer protection, strengthen regulatory enforcement, and promote transparency in commercial communication.
     

TRAI’s Revised Rules vs Earlier Rules under TCCCPR, 2018
 

Aspect

Earlier Provision (TCCCPR, 2018)

Updated Provision (Feb 2025 Amendment)

Complaint Window for Spam Calls/SMS

Customers could file complaints within 3 days of receiving spam.

Complaint window extended to 7 days.

Action Timeline for Unregistered Telemarketers (UTMs)

Telcos had 30 days to take action.

Telcos must act within 5 days.

Threshold for Action Against Spammers

Action was taken if 10 complaints in 7 days were received.

Action now triggered by 5 complaints in 10 days.

SMS Header Tagging for Message Type

No clear tagging system for easy identification.

SMS headers must be tagged with:
“-P” (Promotional)
“-S” (Service)
“-T” (Transactional)
“-G” (Government)

Number Series for Telemarketing

Telemarketers used 10-digit numbers or 140 series.

10-digit numbers banned for telemarketing.
140 series for promotional calls.
1600 series introduced for service/transactional calls.

Action Against Repeat Violators

General warnings or disconnections without strict penalties.

- 1st Violation: 15-day bar on outgoing services.
- Repeat Violations: Disconnection of all telecom resources (including PRI/SIP trunks) for 1 year and blacklisting.

Penalties on Telcos for Misreporting Spam Complaints

Not explicitly defined.

Financial disincentives:
₹2 lakh (1st instance)
₹5 lakh (2nd)
₹10 lakh (subsequent).

Detection Mechanism (Spam Analysis)

No AI-based detection mandated.

Mandatory use of AI/analytics to detect patterns like:
- High call volumes
- Short durations
- Low incoming/outgoing ratios

User Opt-Out from Promotional Messages

Not strictly enforced.

Telcos must provide opt-out mechanism, with opt-in option anytime.

Telemarketer Registration Requirements

Basic registration process.

Mandatory physical verification, biometric authentication, and mobile number linking.

Reporting Tools (DND App)

DND app outdated and rarely used.

Revamped DND app launched for easy spam reporting by use

 

 

About Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
 

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is the statutory regulatory body established to oversee and regulate the telecommunication sector in India.
 

Key Facts:
 

  1. Established: 20th February 1997
  2. Headquarters: New Delhi
  3. Legal Status: Statutory body established under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997
  4. Current Chairperson (as of 2025): Anil Kumar Lahoti
  5. Parent Ministry: Ministry of Communications, Government of India
     

TRAI vs TDSAT
 

While TRAI is the regulatory authority, Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) is the adjudicatory body formed under the TRAI (Amendment) Act, 2000 to settle disputes arising from telecom regulation and decisions of TRAI.

 

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