New Delhi. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has tightened its anti‑spam framework, imposing tougher obligations on telemarketers and companies that indulge in unsolicited commercial communication.
AI‑Driven Filters Become Mandatory
Under the revamped rules, every telecom service provider is required to integrate artificial‑intelligence and machine‑learning based screening tools to spot suspicious commercial calls and messages. The technology is designed to flag anomalous traffic patterns and curb the repeated abuse of telephone numbers.
Five Numbers in Ten Days May Trigger Disconnection
If five or more numbers linked to the same spammer are identified within a ten‑day window, the provider can suspend the connection. The offending entity may also be placed on a blacklist for up to one year, following due process.
TRAI has introduced a levy of 5 paise per minute on automated calls, adding a financial deterrent for mass‑scale robo‑calling operations.
Misuse of Business Numbers and Message Templates
Operators must also act when a registered business number or a pre‑approved message template is used fraudulently. If a telemarketer is found responsible, enforcement can extend to all other numbers associated with that marketer, including possible blacklisting.
Consumers dissatisfied with a resolution can file an appeal within 15 days. Appeals may be lodged via the DND app, the operator’s own app or portal, or by dialing 1909.
Prior Disclosure Required for Automated Calls
The updated framework covers all automated dialing systems – auto‑dialers, robocalls and calls that employ pre‑recorded or AI‑generated voices. Such calls must include a prior disclosure to the recipient.
TRAI also clarified that call‑management apps cannot blanket‑block or label entire commercial series such as 1600 and 1601 as spam solely based on the prefix.
The latest measures aim to bolster oversight of commercial communication while equipping operators with stronger tools to detect and act against suspected spam activity.
