How is the Telecom Industry Supporting Government Action Against Spam Calls and Messages from OTT Platforms?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) applauds the government's intervention to address the rising threat of spam and scam communications from OTT platforms. This initiative aims to safeguard users by establishing regulations that ensure a secure digital environment.
Key Takeaways
- Government intervention is crucial in addressing spam and scam calls.
- The role of MeitY signifies a shift in regulatory responsibility.
- Cybersecurity measures are essential across both telecom and OTT platforms.
- A unified set of rules is necessary to protect users.
- The industry aims for a safer digital environment for all users.
New Delhi, April 29 (NationPress) The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) expressed its support for the government's initiative to combat the escalating issue of spam and scam calls that are proliferating from Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has taken the reins on this matter, as highlighted during a recent assembly of the Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR).
This move is regarded as essential by the industry, particularly as spam and scam activities are increasingly migrating to OTT communication applications such as WhatsApp, Signal, and others.
Although the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), along with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), has been enhancing regulations surrounding Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC) on conventional telecom networks, comparable oversight for OTT platforms has been lacking.
COAI asserts that MeitY's engagement signifies a change in perspective, suggesting that the duty to regulate digital platforms will now rest with the appropriate ministries, rather than unfairly imposing this burden on telecom operators.
The COAI emphasized that this is significant because TSPs possess limited authority over actions on OTT applications, even when the same user is involved.
COAI Director General Lt. Gen. S. P. Kochhar illustrated this challenge with an analogy: a telecom operator can trace a phone number back to a specific city and offer legal support if necessary.
"However, when an OTT application is utilized on a different device, tracking becomes more complicated, as the app and SIM card are no longer connected after installation," stated Kochhar.
While a telecom number can be traced to the city where the mobile resides, there are no means to track the activities of the OTT Communication App that was initially linked to the mobile number, but is now functioning on a separate device while the SIM is on a different handset, he added.
"This occurs because the App and the SIM are not closely tied after the App's installation," Kochhar noted.
Additionally, the COAI pointed out that another emerging risk is steganography, where malicious content is concealed within ordinary files like images or documents.
This tactic enables cybercriminals to conduct fraud and attacks without detection.
The COAI stressed the necessity for robust cybersecurity protocols across both telecom and OTT platforms.
The industry body believes that a cohesive set of regulations for all digital communication stakeholders is the sole solution to safeguard individuals from spam, fraudulent calls, and messages.
"The objective should be clear — to foster a safer digital landscape for users and diminish the disturbance caused by spam and scam communications as much as possible," the COAI stated.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize that the telecom industry and the government are collaborating to create a safer digital space. As spam and scam communications increasingly infiltrate OTT platforms, a unified regulatory approach is essential to protect users and enhance trust in digital communications.
NationPress
21/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the government to address spam calls from OTT platforms?
The government recognized the increasing trend of spam and scam calls originating from OTT platforms, prompting a need for regulation to protect users.
How does the COAI view the involvement of MeitY?
The COAI sees MeitY's involvement as a significant shift in responsibility, indicating that the regulation of digital platforms should not solely fall on telecom operators.
What is steganography, and why is it a concern?
Steganography involves hiding harmful content within regular files, making it easier for cybercriminals to execute fraud without detection, raising cybersecurity concerns.
What measures are being suggested to combat spam communications?
The COAI suggests implementing strong cybersecurity protocols and a unified set of regulations for all digital communication players to effectively combat spam and fraud.
Why is it difficult to trace activities on OTT apps?
Once an OTT app is installed on a device, it becomes challenging to trace as the app and the SIM card are no longer linked, complicating tracking efforts.
