New Delhi. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has tightened its framework to curb unwanted commercial communication, bringing stricter provisions for companies and telemarketers involved in spam calls and messages.
Under the revised rules, telecom service providers will be required to use artificial intelligence and machine-learning-based filters to identify suspicious commercial calls and messages. The move is aimed at detecting unusual communication patterns and preventing repeated misuse of telecom numbers.
Five Numbers Detected in 10 Days Can Trigger Action
Under the new provisions, if five or more numbers linked to a spammer are detected within 10 days, the telecom connection can be disconnected. The concerned entity may also be placed on a blacklist for up to one year, subject to the applicable process.
TRAI has also introduced a charge of 5 paise per minute on automated calls, adding another layer of accountability for large-scale automated calling operations.
Misuse of Numbers and Templates to Face Action
Telecom operators will also be required to act when a registered business number or message template is found to have been misused. If a telemarketer is identified as being responsible for the misuse, action can extend to other numbers associated with the same telemarketer, including possible blacklisting.
Consumers who are dissatisfied with the resolution of a complaint related to unwanted commercial communication will have 15 days to file an appeal. Complaints and appeals can be submitted through the DND app, the telecom operator's app or portal, or by using 1909.
Prior Disclosure Required for Automated Calls
The revised framework also covers automated calling systems, including auto-dialers, robocalls and calls using pre-recorded or AI-generated voices. Such calls will require a prior disclosure to the recipient.
TRAI has further clarified that call-management applications will not be permitted to block or classify entire commercial number series such as 1600 and 1601 as spam simply on the basis of the number series.
The latest measures are intended to strengthen monitoring of commercial communication while giving telecom operators additional tools to identify and act against suspected spam activity.
