The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has set December 1, 2024, as the deadline for implementing its message traceability framework, aimed at reducing spam and fraudulent communication. Telecom operators are required to adopt a blockchain-based system to ensure all messages can be traced from sender to recipient.
With this deadline approaching, users may face delays in receiving critical one-time passwords (OTPs) and other essential SMS-based communications. The disruption is expected to particularly affect sectors reliant on time-sensitive OTPs, such as banking, e-commerce, and ticketing platforms. Industry sources indicate that while operators are working to comply with the norms, technical adjustments may temporarily impact the speed of message delivery.
TRAI has emphasised that the move is necessary to enhance transparency and protect users from spam and fraud. Telecom operators have until November 30, 2024, to ensure compliance, failing which non-compliant messages will be blocked.
