Implementation of message traceability for safe SMS service
The Telecom
Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has taken several measures to ensure the
safe transmission of text messages including the measure to ensure complete
tracing of senders of commercial messages.
To enhance message traceability, TRAI issued Direction on
20th August 2024 and mandated that all commercial messages from senders to
recipients must be traceable from 1st November
2024. In compliance of these Directions, all Access Providers have since deployed
the required technical solutions. However, to provide a transition time for
technical upgrades, and chain declaration by senders of commercial messages
i.e. Principal Entities (PEs) and Telemarketers (TMs), TRAI, vide its Direction
dated 28th October 2024, extended the deadline up to 30th November
2024.
For creating awareness, communications were sent to
various Sector Regulators (RBI, SEBI, PFRDA and IRDAI), Central and State
government Departments and other organizations by TRAI requesting them to
sensitise the PEs under their jurisdiction for early compliance with the
regulations. In addition, webinars were arranged by TRAI in association
with the Access Providers which were attended by representatives of entities
such as PEs, TMs, Central and State Government departments, Sector Regulators
and Industry associations. For direct engagement with PE & TMs, additional
webinars, email communications and interactive sessions were arranged by the
Access providers.