TRAI introduces new regulations to curb spam
Context:
Recently, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) introduced stricter regulations to curb spam calls and messages, enhancing user protection and accountability of telecom providers.
- The new rules mandate faster action against unregistered telemarketers, stricter penalties for violators, and improved transparency in business messages.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)
Key Highlights:
- Stricter Spam Complaint Handling – Telecom providers must now act on spam complaints within five days and accept reports up to one week after receiving spam calls or messages.
- Categorization of Business Messages – SMS headers will now include suffixes like “-P” (Promotional), “-S” (Service), “-T” (Transactional), and “-G” (Government) to help users identify message types easily.
- Stronger Penalties for Violators – First-time offenders will face a 15-day ban on outgoing services, while repeated violations will result in a one-year telecom service disconnection and blacklisting.
- Financial Penalties for Telcos – Telecom companies misreporting spam complaints could face penalties ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
- AI-Based Spam Detection & DND Updates – Telecom firms must now use AI-based systems to detect spam patterns, and the Do Not Disturb (DND) app has been upgraded to allow better spam reporting.
Key Highlights of the Program
- Objective: Promote the health benefits of Shatavari, especially for women’s health and immunity.
- Previous Campaigns: Similar initiatives were conducted for Amla, Moringa, Giloe, and Ashwagandha.
- Government Support: ₹18.9 lakh allocated to eligible organisations for awareness and cultivation.
- Implementation: Part of the Central Sector Scheme for the conservation and sustainable management of medicinal plants.
- Economic Potential: Encourages agro-economic growth by integrating medicinal plants into mainstream agriculture.
- This initiative reinforces India’s push for traditional medicine and holistic health.
About Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI):
- Establishment and purpose:
- TRAI was established under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, passed by Parliament.
- Its primary role is to regulate telecom services, including fixing and revising tariffs, which were previously under the control of the Central Government.
- It is responsible for framing regulations, guidelines, and policies related to the telecommunications sector, covering areas such as tariffs, service quality, and spectrum allocation.
- Composition:
- TRAI consists of a chairperson, up to two full-time members, and a maximum of two part-time members.
- Members, including the Chairperson, are appointed by the Central Government for a term of three years or until they reach the age of 65 years, whichever comes first.
- Government Oversight:
- TRAI is not fully independent as a telecom regulator.
- Under Section 25 of the TRAI Act, the Central Government has the authority to issue binding directions to TRAI.
- The regulatory body is funded by the Central Government, and its recommendations are not binding on the government.
- However, the government must seek TRAI’s recommendations regarding the timing, necessity, and conditions for new telecom service providers.
- TRAI has the authority to notify telecom service rates for both domestic and international services in the official gazette.
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