Breaking News

Government to Examine Spam on OTT Platforms, Says Jyotiraditya Scindia

The Indian government is taking steps to address the rising issue of spam on over-the-top (OTT) communication platforms, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said. While OTT services are not directly regulated by the government, Scindia has directed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to examine ways to curb spam and ensure better customer experience.

“Customer ease and experience are among our biggest responsibilities,” Scindia told reporters. “While technology brings multiple benefits, it also allows unscrupulous actors to harass customers. We are applying our mind to this and will work with TRAI to identify possible solutions.” He noted that software to detect spam calls is already deployed across multiple telecom networks, and the government is exploring ways to extend similar measures to OTT platforms.

AGR Relief Remains Contingent on Court Direction

On the issue of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues, Scindia clarified that telecom operators seeking relief must first obtain a favorable court ruling. The government had earlier offered Vodafone Idea relief on AGR arrears, freezing dues at ₹87,695 crore and allowing staggered repayments until 2041. However, Scindia said that companies like Bharti Airtel or Tata Group units must first approach the courts if they seek similar reassessment.

“The Supreme Court’s direction was specific to Vodafone Idea,” he explained. “Every stakeholder has the right to approach the court, and if the court deems it fit, they can come back to us for consideration.”

Looking Ahead: Technology and Consumer Protection

Scindia also touched upon other industry developments, including the launch of satellite communication services, noting that final decisions on pricing would be announced soon. Emphasizing the importance of technology in enhancing customer experience, he reiterated that regulatory authorities will continue exploring measures to ensure consumers are protected from spam and unsolicited communications.

The government’s move comes at a time when a significant portion of communication traffic is shifting to OTT platforms. Officials believe that collaborative measures between DoT, TRAI, and industry players can help strike a balance between innovation and consumer protection, ensuring a safer and more user-friendly digital ecosystem.