TRAI, SEBI, RBI join hands to tackle spam calls, messages

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has convened a Joint Committee of Regulators to address the persistent issue of spam calls and messages. The meeting brought together representatives from key regulatory bodies, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the Department of Telecommunications (DOT), and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

During the meeting, regulators discussed a variety of measures aimed at curbing the flow of unsolicited communications. One of the primary topics was the role of entities within the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector in preventing spam. The committee emphasised the importance of these entities in implementing robust anti-spam measures.

Another significant point of discussion was the sharing of information by digital platforms to help identify and block spam sources. The committee highlighted the need for better cooperation and data sharing among platforms to enhance the effectiveness of spam prevention strategies.

The acquisition of digital consent from users was also a focal point. Regulators stressed the importance of obtaining clear and informed consent from users before sending any communications. This measure is seen as crucial in ensuring that users have control over the messages they receive.

In addition, the committee discussed the whitelisting of URLs, over-the-top (OTT) links, and callback numbers. This process involves creating a list of approved links and numbers that are less likely to be associated with spam, thereby helping to filter out unwanted communications more effectively.

Strengthening Know Your Customer (KYC) measures was another key agenda item. Enhanced KYC processes can help in verifying the identity of users and reducing the chances of fraudulent activities that often lead to spam. CNBC-TV18