TRAI-Truecaller row puts spotlight on proposed spam data sharing rules

The ongoing row between TRAI and Truecaller has brought into sharp focus the regulator’s proposed amendments to the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), which would among various provisions, require call management apps to share user-reported spam information with telcos.

The tweaks to TCCCPR, the regulations governing commercial communications — could be finalised soon, possibly over the coming few weeks.

The proposed change will be made through an amendment to TCCPR.

TRAI had released a consultation paper on March 13, 2026, seeking stakeholder feedback on the draft Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026, that seek to strengthen the fight against spam calls and messages while tightening obligations on telecom operators, senders and call-management apps.

The process of getting stakeholder views has concluded, and the regulator is currently examining the submissions made.

As part of the proposed amendment, call management apps like Truecaller and others may be required to share four key parameters related to user-reported spam, including the number that is flagged, the date and time of the spam call, and recipient details. This information will enable telecom operators to cross-verify spam reports and initiate appropriate action against suspected spam callers.

While the consultation has been under way, the issue of strengthening the framework for tackling spam calls has gained renewed attention in the wake of the TRAI-Truecaller tussle over the labelling of calls from the dedicated number series.

The TRAI, last Friday, asserted that no app can block phone calls originating from 1600 number series that are meant for communications by regulated entities and the government to citizens.

Truecaller argued that spammers use phone numbers starting with 1600 and 140 to target people in violation of telecom regulator Trai’s direction; it cited data that 5.25 lakh users of the caller identification app label such calls as spam daily. Tribune India