The World Opinion

Tag: spam calls

  • Government Launches New Spam-Tracking System To Block International Calls; Details Here |

    Detect And Block International Calls: The government on Tuesday introduced a new spam-tracking system designed to detect and block international calls disguised as Indian numbers. Within the first 24 hours of operation, telecom service providers (TSPs) identified and blocked approximately 1.35 crore, or 90%, of such spoofed calls from reaching Indian users.

    Union Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, launched the ‘International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System,’ highlighting it as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to create a safer digital environment and protect citizens from cybercrime.

    This system aims to significantly reduce spoofed calls with Indian (+91) numbers, which cybercriminals have been using to commit fraud by manipulating the calling line identity (CLI). These spoofed calls often appear to originate in India but are actually made from abroad and are commonly linked to financial scams, impersonation, and spreading panic.

    There have also been cases of cyber-crime threatening disconnection of mobile numbers by DoT/TRAI officials, fake digital arrests, drugs/narcotics in courier, impersonation as police officials, arrest in sex racket etc.

    The Department of Communications (DoT) and TSPs have collaborated and devised a system to identify and block such incoming international spoofed calls from reaching the Indian telecom subscribers.

    “Despite such best efforts, there could be cases where fraudsters succeed through other means. For such calls, you can help by reporting such suspected fraud communications at Chakshu facility on Sanchar Saathi,” said the government.

    This is another step by DoT to protect citizens from cyber frauds as the system identifies and blocks the incoming international calls. (With inputs from IANS)

  • Spam Menace: 3K Registered Senders Whitelist Over 70K Links As Per Centre’s Directive |

    New Delhi: More than 3,000 registered senders have whitelisted more than 70,000 URLs, APKs (Android package kit) or OTT (over the top) links as per the government directive to safeguard consumers from unsolicited messages containing malicious links, it was announced on Thursday.

    In a major step to curb the misuse of URLs (uniform resource locators) in messages, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had issued a directive on August 20, and then extended it till September 30.

    The new rule, instructing all access providers to block any traffic containing URLs, APKs, or OTT links that have not been whitelisted, is set to be implemented by 1st October 2024.

    To ensure smooth flow of SMS traffic containing URLs, TRAI advises registered senders to promptly upload their whitelisted URL/APK/OTT links to the portal of the respective Access Providers.

    “So far, over 3,000 registered senders have complied with this requirement by whitelisting more than 70,000 links. Senders who fail to whitelist their links by the due date will not be able to transmit any messages containing URL/APK/OTT links,” said the Ministry of Communications.

    This initiative is designed to foster a transparent and secure communication system.

    “By complying with these new rules, both Access Providers and registered senders can help in creating a more reliable and safe messaging environment,” said the telecom regulator.

    Whitelisting is a cybersecurity strategy under which only pre-approved or trusted users, entities, or actions are allowed to operate on a system or network. By preventing unauthorized access, whitelisting can greatly reduce the risk of malware infection and cyber intrusion.

    Telecom service providers blocked over 50 entities and disconnected more than 2.75 lakh mobile numbers and telecom resources earlier this month.

    The TRAI has also introduced punitive measures for non-compliance. Content templates registered under the wrong category will be blacklisted, and repeated offenses will lead to a one-month suspension of the sender’s services.

  • Airtel Introduces India’s First AI-Powered Solution For Spam Detection | Technology News

    New Delhi: Telecom operator Bharti Airtel has launched what it termed India’s first AI-powered spam detection solution aimed at solving the issue of spam calls and messages for its customers. Lately, promotional voice calls and messages from unregistered marketers have to some extent become a menace.

    According to the telecom operator Airtel, the tool will alert customers in real-time to all suspected spam calls and SMSes. The solution is free of cost and will get auto-activated for all Airtel customers without them having to raise a service request or download an app. “Spam has become a menace for customers. We have spent the last twelve months to solve this comprehensively,” Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bharti Airtel, said on the occasion.

    “Our solution has been able to successfully identify 100 million potential spam calls and 3 million spam SMSes originating every day. For us, keeping our customers secure is a burning priority,” Vittal added. Developed in-house by Airtel’s data scientists, the AI-powered solution uses a proprietary algorithm to identify and classify calls and SMSes as “Suspected SPAM”.

    The telecom operator claimed that its system flags suspected spam calls and SMSes accurately. Additionally, the Airtel solution also alerts customers to malicious links received via SMS. For this, Airtel said it has built a centralised database of blacklisted URLs and every SMS is scanned in realtime by AI algorithm to caution users from accidentally clicking on suspicious links.

    Recently, in a major step to curb the increasing number of spam calls, regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has mandated all service providers to stop voice promotional calls, be pre-recorded or computer generated or otherwise, from all unregistered senders or telemarketers.

  • Over 1 Crore Fraudulent Mobile Connections Disconnected With Help Of Sanchar Saathi: DoT |

    New Delhi: Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has said that till date more than one crore fraudulent mobile connections disconnected with the help of Sancharsaathi.

    “The DoT launched a citizen centric platforms, Sanchar Saathi (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in), to fight cyber fraud, enabling citizens to report suspicious calls & messages. Till date more than one crore fraudulent mobile connections disconnected with the help of Sancharsaathi. Further, 2.27 lakh mobile handsets have been blocked for involvement in cybercrime /financial frauds,” DoT said.

    To curb the menace of spam calls, TRAI has directed telecom operators to disconnect and blacklist entities using bulk connections for spam calls, including robocalls and pre-recorded calls. In the last fortnight over 3.5 lakh such numbers have been disconnected and 50 entities have been blacklisted. In addition, around 3.5 Lakh unused/ unverified SMS headers and 12 Lakh content templates are blocked.

    In parallel, with an objective of improving the network performance, benchmarks are to be gradually tightened for key network parameters like network availability, call drop rates, packet drop rates, etc. In this regard, TRAI has released its revised regulations, “The Standards of Quality of Service of Access (Wirelines and Wireless) and Broadband (Wireline and Wireless) Service Regulations, 2024 (06 of 2024)”.

    These regulations will come into effect from October 01, 2024 and from 1st April 2025 monthly monitoring of QoS performance of mobile service will be started instead of quarterly basis.

    The TRAI has also issued consultation papers on provisions of immediate suspension of services of Unregistered Telemarketers on receipt of complaints beyond a pre-defined threshold number, and implementation of proactive detection and action on suspected spammers.

  • Spam Calls: 50 Entities Blacklisted, 2.75 Lakhs Mobile Numbers Disconnected.

    New Delhi: Amidst the significant rise in spam calls, telecom operators have blacklisted over 50 entities and disconnected more than 2.75 lakh SIP DID/Mobile Numbers/Telecom resources as per Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI’s) directives.

    TRAI said that it has observed a significant rise in spam calls, with over more than 7.9 lakh complaints reported against Unregistered Telemarketers (UTMs) in the first half of the year 2024 (January to June).

    Taking this issue seriously, TRAI had issued stringent directives to all Access Providers on 13th August 2024. It has mandated Access Providers to immediately stop promotional voice calls from unregistered senders or telemarketers using SIP, PRI, or other telecom resources. Any UTM found to be misusing these resources will face severe consequences, including disconnection of all telecom resources for up to two years and blacklisting.

    “Consequent of these directions, Access Providers have taken stern measures against misuse of telecom resources for spamming and blacklisted over 50 entities and disconnected more than 2.75 lakh SIP DID/Mobile Numbers/Telecom resources. These steps are expected to have a significant impact on reducing TRAI urges all stakeholders to comply with the directives and contribute to a cleaner and more efficient telecom ecosystem,” said the telecom regulator.

  • Spam Calls: TRAI Releases Review Consultation Paper To Address Unsolicited Commercial Communications Issue |

    New Delhi: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Wednesday issued a consultation paper seeking public comments on “Review of the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2018” to address the issue of Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC).

    These regulations aim to protect consumers from unwanted promotional calls and messages, while allowing businesses to send targeted communications to customers who have consented for or set preferences to receive them. The Consultation Paper aims to bring forward issues observed during implementation, and which need immediate attention. The provisions of regulations related to these issues may need amendment.

    The Consultation Paper is available on TRAI website www.trai.gov.in. Written comments on the consultation Paper are invited from the stakeholders by September 25, 2024. Counter comments, if any, may be submitted by October 09, 2024. The comments and counter-comments may be sent, preferably in electronic form on the e- mail address [email protected].

    “TRAI is seeking input on areas to strengthen the regulations, including stricter provisions against the Unregistered Telemarketers (UTMs) who harass the public through spam calls, improved complaint redressal mechanisms, more effective UCC detection systems, stronger financial disincentives for violation of regulatory provisions, and revised regulations for senders and telemarketers. The paper also explores the possibility of differential tariffs for voice calls and SMS to discourage UCC,” said an official release.

  • TRAI Directs Telcos To Disconnect Unregistered Telemarketers’ Lines Over Spam calls, Blacklist Them |

    New Delhi: Sector regulator TRAI on Tuesday directed telcos to disconnect all telecom resources of unregistered telemarketers found making spam calls, and to blacklist them for up to two years.

    Further, TRAI has asked telcos to comply immediately with its latest directive and submit regular updates on action taken in this regard on a fortnightly basis.

    Issuing its directive to telcos, TRAI said this “decisive action” is expected to significantly reduce spam calls and provide relief to consumers. TRAI in a release said it has issued “directives to access providers to disconnect all telecom resources of unregistered senders for making spam calls and to blacklist such senders under the Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulations, 2018” regulations.

    Towards this, TRAI has mandated all access service providers to stop voice promotional calls whether pre-recorded or computer generated or otherwise from all unregistered senders or telemarketers (UTMs) using bulk connections or other telecom resources.

    “… All promotional voice calls from the unregistered Senders/ Unregistered Telemarketer (UTMs) using Telecom Resources (SIP/ PRI/ other telecom resources) shall be stopped immediately,” TRAI said.

    If any unregistered telemarketer or sender is found to be misusing telecom resources for making commercial voice calls in violation of the regulations resulting in consumer complaints, all its telecom resources will be disconnected by the primary telecom service provider for a period up to two years. Further, such unregistered entities will be blacklisted for a period up to two years.

    “…Information regarding blacklisting of the sender shall be shared by the OAP (Originating Access Provider) with all other access providers on DLT platform, within 24 hours, who will, in turn, disconnect all the telecom resources given by them to that sender within the next 24 hours,” TRAI said. New telecom resources would not be allocated to them by any access provider during the period of blacklisting.

    “All the unregistered Senders/ Unregistered Telemarketers (UTMs) using SIP/PRI/ other telecom resources to make commercial voice calls to the citizen shall be migrated to the DLT platform within one month of the issue of this direction and submit compliance report within seven days thereafter,” TRAI said.

    Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has directed all telcos to comply with its latest directive and submit regular updates on the actions taken on the first and sixteenth of every month.

    The regulator has declared an all-out war against the rising menace of spam calls – last week TRAI had warned that telcos will disconnect the telecom resources of entities that are found misusing bulk connections for making spam calls, and such entities would face blacklisting by all operators for up to two years.

    TRAI held a meeting with regulatory heads of all the Telecom Service Providers last Thursday. The meeting, Chaired by TRAI Chief, was attended by the Chief Regulatory Officers of Airtel, BSNL, Quadrant Televentures Limited (QTL), Reliance Jio, Tata Teleservices Limited, Vodafone Idea Limited and V-CON Mobile & Infra Private Limited.

  • Tired of spam calls? TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti Promises Stronger Regulations And Crackdown.

    New Delhi: Spam calls can be incredibly irritating as it disrupts our day and often leads to frustration. These unwanted calls can come at any time, making it difficult to focus on important tasks. Recognizing this issue, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is set to review and strengthen regulations to curb these pesky spam calls.

    On Wednesday, TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti announced plans to implement stricter measures to protect consumers from this growing nuisance. Dealing with pesky spam calls is a top priority for the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). TRAI is taking a tougher stance to address the issue with a surge in consumer complaints about unwanted calls from unauthorized telemarketers.

    “We had an interaction with service providers on spam calls and that is the next thing on our table. We will work seriously…we will plug any loopholes that people are finding on existing regulations to tighten (the checks on) spam call issue. ,” Lahoti made this announcement during the India SatCom 2024 event organized by the Broadband India Forum (BIF).

    Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI @TRAI addressing to India Satcom 2024, 9th Flagship Summit at New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/eX8HD3ClkL — TRAI (@TRAI) August 7, 2024

    TRAI on Tuesday held a meeting and conveyed a strong message to service providers and their telemarketers to take effective measures to curb bulk communications using voice calls. As part of the crackdown, the regulator has sought proactive action from all the stakeholders especially access service providers (telcos) and their delivery telemarketers.

    The immediate action sought includes implementing technical solutions for traceability and preventing bulk calling by enterprise customers using 10-digit numbers. Asked about the rising instances of fraud and scams over calls, and actions that are being proposed, Lahoti said that a joint committee of regulators is working collectively to address the issue.

    “The role of TRAI comes in controlling spam calls. Where it is fraudster or scammer…it also becomes an issue of law enforcement where Ministry of Home Affairs… and financial sector regulator also plays a role,” he said.

    Asked if raising the criminal liability could serve as an effective deterrent, he said, “We will review regulations to make it strong and very strict as far as control of spam is concerned…As far as the scam is concerned that falls in the domain of law”. (With PTI Inputs)

  • Spam Calls: Govt Extends Timeline For Submission Of Feedback By 15 Days |

    New Delhi: The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, on Thursday extended the timeline for submission of comments/feedback on Draft Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Unsolicited and Unwarranted Business Communication, 2024.

    “In view of requests received from various Federations, Associations and other stakeholders to extend timeline for submission of comments/feedback on Draft Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Unsolicited and Unwarranted Business Communication, 2024, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India has decided to extend the timeline by 15 days from the last date of submission i.e. 21.07.2024,” said an official release.

    The comments may now be submitted until 05 August 2024, it added.

    The Department has received various suggestions/comments which are currently under examination. The comments may be submitted by email to js-ca[at]nic[dot]in.

    Central Consumer Protection Authority had issued guidelines to protect consumers from unfair trade practices and violation of their consumer rights through unsolicited and unwarranted business communication in the form of voice calls, SMS, and instant messaging applications including through social media platforms.

    These guidelines, called the Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Unsolicited and Unwarranted Business Communication, 2024 shall apply to all persons and establishments that makes or causes to make the business communication (Maker); that engages the Maker of such communication; that would be the intended beneficiary from such communication; and in whose name such communication was made by the Maker.

    No person or establishment to whom these guidelines are applicable shall engage in any unsolicited or unwarranted business communication initiated in violation of the conditions said the guidelines.