The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced a one-month extension to December 1, 2024 for the implementation of the traceability mandate concerning commercial messages, including one-time passwords (OTPs).
This decision comes in response to warnings from telecom operators about significant disruptions that could occur if the original deadline of November 1, 2024 was enforced. Many telemarketers and business entities, such as banks, are reportedly not yet technically equipped to comply with the new rules.
With the revised deadline, messages that do not adhere to the traceability requirements will be blocked starting December 1, 2024. TRAI has emphasised the need for a transition period to allow for awareness, technical upgrades, and compliance with the principal entity-telemarketer (PE-TM) chain declaration. Telecom operators are directed to ensure that all entities complete this declaration as soon as possible. Those who fail to comply will receive daily warnings from their respective operators until November 30, 2024.
In its ongoing efforts to enhance security and reduce misuse in telecommunications, TRAI has taken several initiatives, including blacklisting over 800 entities and individuals and disconnecting more than 1.8 million mobile numbers and telecom resources associated with spam activities. Additionally, as of October 1, 2024, telemarketing calls using the 140xx numbering series have been transitioned to a blockchain-based distributed ledger technology (DLT) platform for stricter monitoring and control.
