Trai has called a meeting of JCOR to protect consumers from the loss of spam and frauds. Ensure a more secure and efficient telecom ecosystem
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had convened a meeting of the Joint Regulatory Committee (JCOR) at its headquarters in New Delhi on August 27, 2024. The meeting was attended by JCOR members of IRDAI, PFRDA, RBI, SEBI, MOCA, MeitY and TRAI. Representatives of DoT and MHA were also present as special guests. JCOR serves as a collaborative platform to examine regulatory influence in the digital age and act collaboratively in the regulatory framework.
TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti in his address stressed on the need for joint efforts to address the problem of spam messages and calls. He urged the regulators to (1) whitelisting of URL, APK, OTT link and callback numbers to be sent in SMS, (2) transfer of existing telemarketers making promotion calls to 140 series on DLT platform and (3) to announce the entire series of telemarketers engaged by them for PE-TM chain binding.
The meeting discussed possible collaborative efforts and strategies to address UCC and frauds through telecom resources. The major issues discussed are given below:
There have been several instances of the role of entities in the whitelisting of URLs, APKs, OTT links and callback numbers in content templates, and the role of entities in ensuring the traceability of all messages from sender to recipient – header and template. Fraud is done through the transmission of contaminated links using variable parts of the message. In case of misuse of headers and content templates, it is difficult to find entities that hit traffic. Therefore, mandatory whitelisting of URL, APK, OTT link or callback number and the complete series of telemarketers employed by them for PE-TM chain binding as per the timeline set by trai’s latest guidelines are required.
Solution to the problem of entities using PRI/SIP channels to make unnecessary calls
Solution to the problem of entities using PRI/SIP channels to make unnecessary calls – Many business entities make commercial voice calls using SIP/PRI lines with hundreds of indicators in violation of TRAI’s rules. These entities should be shifted to the scheduled 140 series to make promotional calls. There is also an urgent need to take strong action without further delay on spammers using PRI/SIP/bulk connection for making promotional voice calls/robo calls/pre-recorded calls.
The DCA system set up by telecom service providers to obtain digital consent from users – the DCA system
Using the DCA system set up by telecom service providers to obtain digital consent from users – the DCA system will be of great value not only to messaging services but also to entities for voice calls. It allows the recipient to deliver messages and calls despite dnd preferences. The technical infrastructure for the DCA is now operational. The regulators were requested to ask the entities under their jurisdiction to start using the facility on time.
Use of 160 series by organizations to make services and transaction calls for easy identification by users – 160 series are allocated for services and transaction calls only. A pilot study was conducted by TRAI and RBI to determine the technical feasibility of various options, its results were discussed.
Increased exchange of information between regulators to control frauds using telecom resources – the emphasis was on sharing of available information with various regulations.
Conclustion
By addressing these issues collectively, JCOR aims to protect consumers from the pitfalls of spam and fraud, as well as ensure a more secure and efficient telecom ecosystem. read more
Press Release No. 58/2024 regarding Press Release on Meeting of Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR)https://t.co/vfpOGnf6QH
— TRAI (@TRAI) August 27, 2024
