TRAI proposing to help callers identify spammers

News Highlight:

• TRAI proposing to help callers identify spammers, Unified KYC system soon.
• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently said that the government, through its telecom bill, is aiming to help subscribers get relief from spam calls and messages.
• The bill has proposed up to one-year imprisonment for giving a false identity for availing of telecom services.

Key Takeaway:

• Soon, there could be a unified know-your-customer system to check fraudulent callers and spammers.
• Telecom Regulatory Authority of India chairman PD Vaghela on Sunday said that the regulator will propose to set up a unified KYC system which would be accessible by all telecom operators.

Key features of TRAI proposes: on new telecom, bill

• Propose to set up a unified KYC system which would be accessible by all telecom operators.
• There will be a unified KYC (know-your-customer) system. All telecom operators should be able to use it.
• Compulsory caller ID display.TRAI will address privacy concerns around people who do not want their numbers displayed when they make calls.
• The new telecom bill has proposed up to one-year imprisonment for giving false identity for availing telecom services to check frauds and criminal activities.

TRAI:

• About:
  • The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was set up in order to have a suitable environment for the growth of the telecommunications industry in the country and be a part of the global information society.
  • It is a statutory body that regulates the telecommunications sector in the country.
  • The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was established with effect from February 20, 1997, by an Act of Parliament called the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
• The Functions of TRAI:
  • Makes Recommendations:
    • Introduction of the new service provider.
    • Revocation of license for non-compliance of terms and conditions of licence.
    • Measures to facilitate competition and promote efficiency in the operation of telecommunication services to facilitate their growth.
    • Technological improvements in the services provided by the service providers.
  • Discharge of Responsibilities:
    • Ensuring the compliance of terms and conditions of the licence.
    • Ensuring technical compatibility and effective interconnection between different service providers.
    • Laying down the quality of service provided by the service providers.
    • Ensuring the quality of service and conducting periodical surveys of such services.
    • Timely and officially notifying the rates at which the telecommunication services within India and outside India shall be provided under the TRAI Act, 1997.
  • Non-Binding Recommendations:
    • If the Central Government does not accept any recommendation of the TRAI or needs modifications, it refers the recommendation back to the Authority for reconsideration.
    • The TRAI forwards to the Central Government its recommendation after considering the reference made by that Government within 15 days.
• Powers of TRAI:
  • Order for Furnishing Information: It can call upon any service provider to furnish in writing the information or explanation relating to its affairs as the Authority may require.
  • Appointments for Inquiry: The Authority may appoint one or more persons to inquire about the affairs of any service provider.
  • Order for Inspection: It is empowered to direct any of its officers or employees to inspect the books of accounts or other documents of any service provider.
  • Issue Directions to Service Providers: The Authority shall have the power to issue such directions to service providers as it may consider necessary for proper functioning by service providers.

Conclusion:

The need for such a system arises as it is hard to find the culprit who has engaged in fraudulent calls and messages. To resolve the same, the telecom regulator is exploring several mechanisms. Spammers have started using another number after blocking their previous number and using proxy servers. The telecom regulator works with service providers to use artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect fraudulent callers and spammers.

Pic courtesy: The Hindu

content source: Economic Times

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