Commercial Messages to Be Traceable from December 1, 2024: TRAI’s New Regulation to Combat Spam and Phishing

Mumbai : Commercial messages sent by telemarketers, businesses, and principal entities (PEs), including banks, e-commerce platforms, and financial institutions, will be required to be traceable under new guidelines set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Messages that do not comply with these regulations will be rejected by the telecom system and will not be delivered to subscribers.

Why Was This Regulation Introduced?

The primary aim of the regulation is to curb spam, phishing, and fraudulent communications, especially those involving one-time passwords (OTPs). As cybercrime becomes increasingly sophisticated, TRAI’s move seeks to enhance transparency and security within India’s telecom sector.

Impact on Telecom Subscribers

This regulation is designed to protect telecom subscribers from unwanted messages and scams. Any message that cannot be verified as traceable will be blocked, significantly reducing the risk of fraudulent communications. This is especially important in safeguarding users against phishing and fraud attempts.

Progress on Implementation

To date, over 13,000 principal entities (PEs), including major banks, financial institutions, and online platforms, have registered their message chains with telecom providers. The registration process is progressing rapidly as the deadline nears. Telecom operators have successfully implemented the technical solutions needed to comply with the new regulations.

What’s Next?

As the December deadline approaches, TRAI continues to engage with stakeholders through webinars and awareness campaigns. Telecom operators are also working to ensure their systems comply fully with the new requirements, while ensuring smooth transition for businesses and telemarketers.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance will result in severe penalties, including blacklisting offenders, disconnecting mobile numbers, and using blockchain technology to monitor telemarketing calls. Principal Entities (PEs) and Registered Telemarketers (RTMs) who fail to follow the required traceability processes risk having their messages rejected and facing service disruptions.

This new regulation marks a significant step towards greater consumer protection and cybersecurity within India’s telecom industry.