ANTI SPAM
India notifies new telecom rules that allow time-bound exemptions to test emerging technologies
The Indian government has introduced new rules to facilitate the testing of telecommunication technologies in controlled environments. These rules provide exemptions from certain regulatory requirements under existing laws aimed at fostering innovation. Regulatory sandboxes will allow for trial of new services under specified conditions before commercial deployment. The government will oversee eligibility criteria and risk management measures for participants.
Your phone says “spam” before you answer. How AI spots suspect calls
Telecom companies in India are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to detect and label potential spam calls and messages. By analyzing calling trends, AI has already flagged billions of suspicious communications. Major players like Airtel and Vodafone Idea implement effective spam warnings for their users, while apps like Truecaller and Google’s Phone enhance caller identification capabilities. Meanwhile, TRAI mandates operators to responsibly investigate flagged spam incidents.
OpenAI works to understand full scope of agent activity as user data leak emerges
OpenAI's ongoing battle also reflects a yawning gap between the strength of the models the company is testing and its capacity to oversee or even track their actions.
Government dissolves 37-year-old Digital Communications Commission with immediate effect
The government has notified the dissolution of the Digital Communications Commission, the Department of Telecommunications' apex decision-making body established in 1989. The commission handled key telecom policy and financial matters, including spectrum pricing and Trai recommendations. Its last meeting on September 3 finalised the satcom spectrum decision, which now awaits Cabinet approval.
Trai tightens anti-spam rules, brings AI-based detection, automated calls under framework
India's telecom regulator has strengthened anti-spam rules significantly. New regulations now include AI detection for suspected spam numbers. Automated and robocalls face extended regulatory oversight and new deterrents. Call management apps must share spam data with telcos to offer reporting. Consumers retain the freedom to block or filter calls on their devices.
Trai moves to keep legit AI calls off spam list
Telecom regulator TRAI will soon introduce new rules for AI business calls. Businesses using automated systems must declare these calls to their service providers. This will help operators identify legitimate automated traffic on their networks. Registered telemarketers must use allocated numbering series for commercial communications. Any misuse of numbers will invite penal action from authorities.

Telcos oppose Trai's plan to block AI-flagged spam numbers
Telecom companies are pushing back against Trai's plan to automatically block phone numbers identified as potential spam by AI. They argue this could inconvenience legitimate customers and lead to wrongful disconnections. Telcos are requesting more discussions before any final decisions are made. They believe the regulator should focus on addressing telemarketers directly. Private operators have already implemented AI solutions voluntarily.

TRAI considers action on AI-flagged spam calls without formal complaints
In a bid to redefine consumer protection, Trai is diving deep into innovative strategies to tackle the nuisance of spam. They're considering measures that could lead to the suspension of mobile numbers flagged by AI as potential spam, even in the absence of direct complaints.

Google hit with EU antitrust investigation into its spam policy
Its site reputation abuse policy targets the practice of publishing third-party pages on a site in an attempt to abuse search rankings by taking advantage of the host site's ranking signals, commonly referred to as parasite SEO.

TDSAT to take a call on Trai fine on telcos for failing to curb spam
The Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal will decide next week whether telecom operators must pay ₹141 crore in penalties to TRAI for failing to curb spam. Telcos argue they shouldn't be penalized while the anti-spam platform was being implemented, citing Covid-19 delays. TDSAT previously stayed the penalties, noting the delay wasn't the telcos' fault.

Tanla Platforms wins Indonesia deal for AI check on spam messages
Tanla Platforms has secured a multi-year deal with Indonesia's Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison to implement its AI-powered anti-spam platform. This marks Tanla's first major international expansion of its security technology. The platform, utilising machine learning and generative AI, aims to combat fraudulent activities across SMS, voice, and VoIP channels, protecting millions of Indonesian telecom users from cyberattacks.

TDSAT halts ₹141 cr spam penalties on telcos, next hearing on August 8
India's top telcos have been temporarily spared from paying Rs141 crore in spam-related penalties, as the TDSAT adjourned the case hearing to August 8. The tribunal has requested Trai to submit an affidavit, while the telcos argue that delays in implementing spam control measures were due to Covid and the pending DCA platform deployment.

Trai may go easy on timelines for telcos to take anti-spam steps
Trai has relaxed its tight deadlines for telcos to implement new anti-spam measures after industry complaints about the lack of transparency and technical analysis. Discussions are ongoing to resolve issues, with a focus on successful implementation rather than penalizing non-compliance. Telcos emphasize that the regulations require cooperation from telemarketers and other entities.

Rising cybercrimes: Why it's high time for telcos and OTT companies to unite against a common threat
Over 600 million consumers have come online in the past decade, creating opportunities and challenges. Cybercrime, fraud, and spam have risen alarmingly. Traditional app-based solutions are limited, prompting the need for more robust measures. The telecom industry must unite to protect users by sharing information and developing comprehensive solutions.

Airtel develops AI-based solution to tackle fraud messages
Bharti Airtel and HDFC Bank have partnered to develop a solution using artificial intelligence/machine learning to identify and prevent phishing, spam and fraud across their messaging services. The plan establishes direct connectivity between the two for end-to-end SMS connectivity and detection of any other route.
India's contribution to spam goes up during Q2
The zombie machines used to spread spam emails are now located in virtually every country of the world.
IBM develops anti-spam software for Chinese mobile operator
IBM said Thursday it has developed a system for a Chinese mobile phone operator that blocks spam text messaging, but denied the software could be used as a censorship tool.
Homegrown software firm Spamjadoo keeps the inbox intact
Spamjadoo validates the sender's email address and lets in mail only if it's legitimate.
MySpace says it has won $234 mn spam judgment
The popular online hangout MySpace has won a $234 million (euro151.23 million) judgment over junk messages sent to its members in what is believed to be the largest anti-spam award ever.
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