SPAM CALLS
TRAI crackdown on spam: Over 1.24 lakh mobile connections barred or disconnected in Jul-Sep
TRAI enforced strict regulations against over 1.24 lakh telecom resources for violating unsolicited commercial communications rules. The regulator responded to 15.29 lakh complaints, classifying 7.23 lakh as actionable during the quarter. It blocked 3,725 SMS headers and blacklisted 374 entities from obtaining telecom resources for one year.
Government plans to empower TRAI to penalise telecom operators flouting rules
The government is addressing issues related to Trai's authority to penalise telecom operators for violating rules. Complaints about pesky calls and SMS have surged, reaching over 20.75 lakh in just the first half of this year. Although complaints have increased significantly, disconnections of telecom resources misused for such communications have decreased. Meanwhile, the number of blacklisted entities involved in this issue has risen continuously over the last few years.
TRAI's new Network Anubhav platform to map real-world network speeds, call quality
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India recently introduced the Network Anubhav Platform for consumers. This new platform allows users to compare mobile and broadband networks based on location and performance. Consumers can view network tests, filter results, and make informed choices about service providers.
How to silence unknown callers on WhatsApp? A guide for Android and Apple iOS users
WhatsApp provides a feature enabling users to silence calls from unknown callers for privacy and convenience. Users can prevent interruptions from strangers and only receive calls from saved contacts. The app offers details about the unknown callers, such as country codes and group interactions. Users can easily adjust their settings on both Android and iOS devices to enable or disable this feature.
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.
Airtel Business CEO backs AI regulation, says guardrails can unlock productivity gains
Sharat Sinha highlighted the ongoing evolution of AI architecture and methodologies for safe deployment. The government's upcoming consultation paper on AI regulations aims to address issues like safety and deepfakes. Airtel is committed to compliant practices that enhance productivity through AI. Sinha emphasized the growth of cybersecurity services in response to emerging digital threats. The company aims to deliver safe experiences for both enterprise and consumer segments.
A timeline of developments in AI safety since the attack on Hugging Face
The episodes have highlighted the vulnerabilities in AI security and raised questions over how the fast-growing technology can be developed safely as its usage becomes more widespread globally.
Bharti Airtel shares defy weak markets, rise over 2% after launch of new plans
Bharti Airtel shares gained after the telecom major launched new postpaid plans offering additional benefits, including free international roaming.
Airtel hikes postpaid plans by Rs 50, adds free annual international roaming
Airtel has launched new postpaid plans starting at Rs 499 that include one free international roaming trip per SIM every year, along with unlimited data and calling, safety features and bundled subscriptions. The five-day roaming pack offers 5GB data, 60 minutes of calls and 25 outgoing SMSes, and the new plans will be available from October 8.
IMC 2026: PM Modi discusses digital inclusion, AI with GSMA board
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) Board members ahead of the India Mobile Congress. Discussions focused on technology's role in inclusive development and digital public infrastructure.
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.
Beyond the SIM: Inside Jio and Airtel’s high-stakes AI pivot
Jio and Airtel are taking their rivalry beyond connectivity as both invest heavily in AI-ready data centres, cloud platforms, enterprise tools and consumer services. Their expanding ambitions reveal how India’s telecom giants are positioning themselves for the next phase of AI adoption, where infrastructure, subscriptions and digital services increasingly converge.
Trai mandates telcos to take action against spammers identified by their AI-based caller ID
Trai has tightened rules against spam calls, mandating telecom operators to act on callers flagged as suspected spammers by AI-based systems even without consumer complaints. Under the new rules, first-time violations can lead to a 15-day outgoing service ban, while repeat offenders may face disconnection of all telecom resources for a year and blacklisting. The rules also introduce changes to spam-call blocking preferences and A2P call charges.
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 mandates AI-based spam detection, imposes charge on robocalls to curb unsolicited calls
Trai mandates telecom operators to use AI and machine learning for spam detection. A termination charge of ₹0.05 per minute is introduced for automated robocalls. Entities using application-to-person calls must pre-declare their usage with providers. Telecom operators must deploy AI/ML systems to detect and share spam intelligence. A consumer appeals mechanism and graded actions for violations are also introduced.
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.
'CEA wants to talk with you': Startup founder surprised to get an invite from Finance Ministry to talk about his challenges and policy changes needed to grow businesses in India
Chandru Rajendran, founder of Procurio, received an email invite from India's Ministry of Finance saying the chief economic adviser wanted to speak with him personally. He initially mistook the mail for spam, then called a landline number listed in it and was invited to Delhi along with his team of economists to discuss the policy challenges young entrepreneurs face.
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.
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