TRAI’s New Traceability Guidelines on OTPs

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will enforce new traceability guidelines on December 1, 2024, to combat spam and fraudulent messages. Concerns arose about delays in receiving messages and one-time passwords (OTPs).

Purpose of the Guidelines

The guidelines aim to track messages from sender to recipient. They are designed to prevent misuse of messaging systems for spam and phishing activities. Enhanced security is the primary focus.

Applicability of the Guidelines

The rules apply to various entities. Banks, e-commerce platforms, and other organizations must comply. All messages must confirm their delivery chain. Untraceable messages will be blocked.

Companies sending promotional messages must provide detailed information. This includes call-back numbers and URLs. Telecom operators require this data for compliance.

Timeline for Implementation

The guidelines were first announced in August 2024. The initial deadline was October 31, 2024. Due to requests from telecom providers, the deadline was extended to November 30, 2024.

OTP Delivery Standards

Service providers must ensure OTPs adhere to registered templates and headers. This standardisation is crucial for secure delivery. TRAI has clarified that delays in OTP processing are not expected.

Impact of New Technology

The transition to the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) framework raised concerns about message processing speed. TRAI has assured users of smooth and timely message delivery. Access providers will maintain efficiency.

The guidelines aim to enhance messaging safety. They seek to reduce the volume of spam and fraudulent texts. Any initial disruptions are anticipated to resolve as businesses adapt to the new system.

Important Facts for Exams:

1. TRAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India regulates telecommunications in India. Established in 1997, it aims to promote fair competition and protect consumer interests in the sector.
2. DLT: Distributed Ledger Technology is a decentralised database system. It enhances security and transparency. DLT can streamline processes across various sectors, including finance and telecommunications.
3. OTP: One-Time Passwords are temporary codes for secure transactions. They enhance authentication by being valid for a single use. OTPs are commonly used in online banking and e-commerce.
4. Phishing: Phishing is a cybercrime involving deceptive emails. Attackers aim to steal sensitive information. It often involves impersonating legitimate entities to trick users into revealing personal data.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2024

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs