New Delhi, August 12: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has reportedly issued a directive to telecom operators to disconnect and blacklist businesses that use bulk connections for spam activities. The decision by TRAI will likely curb the increasing issue of spam and fraud calls that affect millions of users. As per reports, telecom operators may start blocking any messages containing URLs or APKs that are not whitelisted from September 1, 2024.

As per a report of Times Now, TRAI has directed telecom operators to take immediate action against businesses involved in spam activities, including robocalls, pre-recorded voice calls, and fraudulent SMS messages. By October 31, 2024, telecom service providers (TSPs) is reportedly directed to finish technical implementation. From September 1, 2024, telecom operators will likely start to block any messages that contain URLs or APKs (Android application packages) that are not on the whitelist. TRAI Releases Consultation Paper on Audit-Related Provisions of Telecommunication Regulations To Create a Fair, Equitable Environment for All Stakeholders.

Telecom service providers is said to complete the technical implementation of entity and telemarketer chain binding. It will likely ensure the traceability of message flow for making it easier to track and block sources of spam and fraudulent messages. The initiative is expected to prevent the spread of harmful links and applications.

The decision was reportedly made after a meeting between TRAI and the regulatory heads of top telecom companies like BSNL, Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea. During the meeting, they discussed the importance of whitelisting URLs to prevent messages with harmful links. TRAI had also previously instructed telecom operators to enhance their mobile apps and web portals to make it easier for users to report spam complaints. Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea Urge TRAI To Regulate New Rules for WhatsApp, Telegram-Like Messaging Apps: Report.

Additionally, another important topic discussed during the meeting was the shift of telemarketers and businesses that make a large number of calls to a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform. The platform is based on blockchain technology and is specifically designed to handle and keep track of sender IDs. The migration might improve the management and recording of these IDs for better regulation and control.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2024 07:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).