Imagine receiving fewer spam messages and dodging pesky spam calls. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s about to become reality. Starting December 10, 2024, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is implementing a major rule to block unregistered messages, ensuring a safer and cleaner communication experience for all.
What Is the New Rule?
TRAI’s OTP Traceability Rule mandates that all commercial messages, including OTPs (One-Time Passwords), must be registered with telecom operators. Messages sent from unregistered numbers will be blocked immediately.
Why? To curb the ever-increasing menace of spam messages that clutter your inbox and sometimes trick you into scams. With this rule, the origin of OTPs and promotional messages will now be traceable, ensuring accountability.
Why Is This Rule Important?
Spam messages and calls are not just annoying—they’re dangerous. Fraudsters use them to steal personal information, leading to financial scams and privacy breaches.
Here’s an example:
- Imagine receiving an OTP from an unregistered number claiming to be your bank. You trust it, enter the OTP, and before you know it, you’ve been scammed.
With TRAI’s new rule, such messages will no longer reach your phone.
How Does It Work?
TRAI has directed telecom operators like Jio, Airtel, and Vi to adopt advanced technology that can trace the origin of bulk messages. If a message is sent from an unregistered number, it gets blocked immediately.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that Airtel’s AI-powered spam detection solution has flagged 8 billion spam calls and 800 million spam messages in just 2.5 months?
Airtel’s AI-Powered Spam Buster
Airtel has taken spam control to the next level by using AI technology. Since its launch in September 2024, this tool has:
- Identified 1 million spammers daily.
- Alerted 252 million users about spam calls.
- Reduced customer responses to spam by 12%.
Key Insights from Airtel’s Report:
- 6% of all calls on their network are spam.
- 2% of all SMSes are spam.
- 35% of spammers use landline numbers.
Spam calls are most frequent in Delhi, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Western Uttar Pradesh, while SMS spam originates largely in Gujarat and Kolkata.
What Happens After December 10?
Starting tomorrow, telecom operators will block any messages sent from unregistered numbers. This includes promotional offers, unverified OTPs, and other bulk messages.
For businesses and marketers:
- Ensure your numbers are registered with telecom operators.
- Verify that your URLs, APKs, and OTT links are whitelisted to avoid disruptions.
How Will This Benefit You?
- Fewer Scams: Messages from unknown sources will no longer bother you.
- Cleaner Inbox: Say goodbye to spam cluttering your SMS folder.
- Safer Communication: Only verified senders will be able to contact you.
A Word of Caution
While this is a great step forward, some spammers might still find ways to bypass the system. Stay alert and follow these tips:
- Don’t Share OTPs: Even if the message looks legitimate, verify before sharing sensitive information.
- Block and Report: Use your mobile’s built-in spam-reporting features.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check for updates on telecom rules and security practices.
TRAI’s new rule is a game-changer in the fight against spam. With technologies like Airtel’s AI-powered solution, the days of dealing with unsolicited calls and messages are numbered.
So, are you ready for a cleaner, safer mobile experience? Let us know how spam messages have affected you in the past. Share your story in the comments below!