TRAI to bring framework on internet-based calls and messaging apps

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has sought views on the selective ban of social media apps during unrest. The consultation paper, which was released on July 7, 2023.

The consultation paper on "Regulatory Mechanism for Over-The-Top (OTT) Communication Services, and Selective Banning of OTT Services" follows a suggestion of a parliamentary panel to the Department of Telecom (DoT) to "explore option of banning selective services such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram etc. instead of banning the internet as a whole" in an emergency situation.

The panel has recommended the DoT to examine the recommendation of Trai and come out with a policy which will enable the selective banning of OTT services such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram during unrest and crisis as these apps are prone to be used by terrorists or anti-national elements in specified regions.

Trai in the past several consultation papers has set aside the demand for regulating internet-based calling and messaging apps. The regulator has set August 4 as the last date for comments on the paper and August 18 for counter comments.