Government to finalize rules against unwanted calls & messages

The Indian government is taking significant steps to combat the persistent issue of spam calls and messages that many people face daily.

They have been working on finalizing draft guidelines that aim to prevent and regulate unsolicited business communication. These guidelines will play a crucial role in defining important terms and listing various types of communication that are considered unsolicited.

The Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Unsolicited and Unwarranted Business Communication, 2024, have been finalized. They were thoroughly discussed at a committee meeting organized by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) on May 10, 2024. This committee was established earlier this year to address the issue of unsolicited and unwanted business communication.

One of the key recommendations made by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is the activation of caller name display on phones. This feature would help individuals identify incoming calls and determine if they are genuine or spam. By displaying the name of the caller, users can make informed decisions about whether or not to answer the call.

In addition to caller name display, TRAI has also suggested the development of a Digital Consent Acquisition system by “principal entities.” This system would ensure that individuals have given their consent before receiving any unsolicited communication. By obtaining digital consent, businesses would be able to establish a more transparent and accountable communication process.

The guidelines also aim to tackle the issue of spam messages. TRAI has recommended implementing a process where users can report unsolicited messages directly to their respective service providers. This would enable service providers to take appropriate action against the senders of spam messages, ensuring a safer and more secure communication environment for users.

The Indian government’s efforts to combat spam calls and messages are crucial for the protection of consumer rights and privacy. Unsolicited business communication not only disrupts individuals’ daily lives but can also lead to fraudulent activities and financial scams. By implementing these guidelines, the government aims to create a more regulated and secure communication ecosystem.

It’s important to note that these guidelines are still in the draft stage and are subject to further deliberation and refinement. Once finalized, they will provide a clear framework for businesses and service providers to follow, ensuring that communication practices are transparent, accountable, and respectful of users’ privacy. The issue of spam calls and messages is a global challenge, and many countries are taking steps to address it. India’s efforts to regulate unsolicited business communication are commendable and serve as an example for other nations to follow.