TRAI Introduces AI-Based Spam Checks, 5 Paise Charge for Automated Commercial Calls

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has amended its rules on Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC), bringing automated calling and AI-based spam detection under a tighter regulatory framework, according to news reports. 

The changes require telecom service providers to use artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify numbers suspected of being used for spam calls. Information on suspected numbers will also be shared between operators. 

Action Against Repeat Violations 

Under the revised framework, action will be triggered when five or more numbers linked to a sender are flagged within 10 days. Telecom operators can then carry out KYC re-verification and physical verification. 

Further action may include barring outgoing services and disconnecting telecom connections in cases of repeated violations. The amendments also strengthen the complaint-based mechanism for dealing with UCC. 

Rules for Automated Calls 

TRAI has defined Application-to-Person (A2P) calls as calls generated through an application, software system or automated platform without direct human dialling. The definition covers autodialling, robocalls and pre-recorded or artificial voice calls. 

Entities making A2P calls will have to declare their use and the numbers involved to their telecom service provider in advance. Undeclared A2P calls will be treated as UCC under the amended rules. 

5 Paise Per Minute Charge 

The new framework introduces a termination charge of up to 5 paise per minute for A2P calls. Calls made through numbering series designated for regulated commercial communication are exempt, along with calls authorised by the authority. 

A consumer appeal mechanism has also been introduced as part of the amendments. 

Safeguards for 140xx and 1600xx Series 

TRAI has restricted call-management applications from blanket blocking, filtering or spam-tagging calls from designated 140xx, 1600xx and 1601xx series. 

Telecom operators are also prohibited from flagging calls originating from the 140 and 1600 number series as spam. The regulator said these safeguards are intended to reduce the risk of genuine commercial and government communications being incorrectly identified as spam. 

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Conclusion 

The amendments set specific requirements for identifying suspected spam and regulating automated calls. They also prescribe action against repeat violations and introduce a charge for undeclared commercial A2P calling. 

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