120 crore mobile users will get big benefits

The message traceability rule of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has finally come into effect from December 11, 2024. This new rule is going to provide relief to more than 120 crore mobile users of the country. The telecom regulator has taken this step to prevent fraud and spam through SMS. Earlier this rule was to be implemented from November 1, 2024, but on the demand of telecom operators, its deadline was extended to November 30 and then to December 10. Finally, after all the preparations were completed, it has been implemented today.

Let us know how this new rule will benefit common mobile users and how it will work.

What is message traceability rule?

As is clear from the name itself, under the message traceability rule, it will be easier for mobile users to trace the source (sender) of the messages sent. The main points of this rule are:

1. Fake commercial messages will be blocked at the network level.
2. Hackers or fraudsters will not be successful in sending spam messages.
3. Telecom companies will have to maintain information about the entire chain of every message.

Advantages:

• Users will get relief from fraud and spam.
• The initial source of any suspicious or fake message can be traced.

Rules were implemented earlier also

TRAI had earlier also implemented several rules to stop unwanted messages and calls.

• Messages from any unverified source that contain a URL or link to an APK file will be blocked.
• Even business calls coming from unverified numbers will be blocked at the network level.

Increase in online fraud

• According to recent reports, online fraud cases have increased by 3000% in India.
• Hackers are constantly trying to cheat people by adopting new methods.

Will there be a delay in getting OTP?

TRAI has clarified that with the implementation of message traceability rules, there will be no delay in getting OTP (One Time Password). However, there was miscommunication on this issue initially.

Concerns of telecom operators:

• Telecom operators like Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL argued that many telemarketers and institutions like banks are not yet fully prepared for this new rule.
• For this reason the rollout was delayed.

Present situation:

• After the implementation of the rule, 95% of the messages are being delivered without any delay.
• Only 5% of the messages may be affected, but TRAI says that this problem will also be resolved soon.

How will the traceability rule work?

1. The source of each message will be traced:
   • If someone sends a fake or spam message, it will be blocked immediately.
2. Stopping directly at the network level:
   • Unwanted messages and calls will be stopped at the network level itself.
3. Transparency:
   • TRAI has instructed telecom companies to keep records of the entire chain of messages.

How will users benefit from the new rule?

1. Fraud Protection:
   • The possibility of fake messages and calls will be less.
2. Spam Relief:
   • Users will get rid of unwanted messages.
3. Better Security:
   • The source of the message sender can be easily traced.