TRAI Introduces New Rules to Fight Spam Calls and Messages
TRAI Introduces New Rules to Fight Spam Calls and Messages
On February 12, 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) announced new rules to tackle the growing issue of spam calls and SMS messages across telecom networks. These updates aim to improve complaint handling, increase transparency in business messages, and enforce stricter penalties for violators.
What’s Changing?
- Easier Complaint Process:
- Consumers can now report spam calls and messages directly through the Do Not Disturb (DND) app.
- Complaints must be filed within one week of receiving the spam.
- Faster Action Against Spammers:
- Telecom companies must respond within five days to complaints about unregistered telemarketers.
- Repeat offenders will face harsher penalties, including a possible ban on their telecom services.
- Unsubscribe Option Required:
- Promotional messages must now include an easy way to opt out, so users can stop receiving unwanted messages.
- New Restrictions on Telemarketing Numbers:
- 10-digit numbers can no longer be used for telemarketing.
- Promotional calls must use the 140-series numbers, while transactional and service-related calls will use 1600-series numbers.
- Clear Message Identification:
- Messages will now have specific suffixes to indicate their type:
- “-P” for promotional messages
- “-S” for service messages
- “-T” for transactional messages
- “-G” for government messages
- Messages will now have specific suffixes to indicate their type:
- Transparency in Robocalls:
- Telemarketers must inform recipients if they are receiving an automated (robocall) to ensure transparency.
- Fines for Violations:
- Telecom companies that fail to properly report spam will be fined:
- ₹2 lakh for the first offense
- ₹5 lakh for the second offense
- ₹10 lakh for each further violation
- Telecom companies that fail to properly report spam will be fined:
- Monitoring and Spam Detection:
- Telecom companies must analyze call and SMS patterns to detect spammers.
- Suspicious activity will be flagged based on high call volumes, short call durations, and a low number of incoming calls.
Impact of These Changes
These new rules aim to reduce spam, protect consumers, and ensure businesses follow ethical communication practices. With better monitoring, stricter penalties, and improved transparency, TRAI hopes to make telecom services safer and more user-friendly.
