The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is set to launch an updated, user-friendly version of its ‘Do Not Disturb’ (DND) app in the coming months to help mobile users combat the growing menace of spam. According to Trai chairman A.K. Lahoti, the revamped app will include improved features following discussions with stakeholders about its technical feasibility. Lahoti emphasized the goal of making the app intuitive and efficient, ensuring it becomes the go-to solution for DND registration, spam reporting, and blocking unwanted calls.
The updated app will enable users to report spam calls and messages, and the reports will be sent to telecom operators for action, including blocking offenders. However, Trai is still assessing whether blocking spam can be handled directly through the app. Currently, the app allows users to register their preferences regarding commercial communication, report spam calls, and lodge complaints, but the action is taken by the respective service providers. The app’s objective is to curb unwanted commercial communication from registered telemarketers, as per Trai’s directives.
Originally launched in 2016, the DND app has undergone several updates, including the introduction of a spam detection engine for SMS and features like crowdsourcing data to identify unregistered telemarketers. However, the app has struggled to gain traction among users. Despite this, Trai has made significant strides in tackling spam and online scams, blacklisting over 800 entities and individuals, and disconnecting more than 1.8 million mobile numbers linked to spam activities.
Be Aware and Be Scam-Safe pic.twitter.com/Vihh60OJlF
— TRAI (@TRAI) December 17, 2024
To strengthen the fight against spam, Trai has mandated telecom operators to migrate telemarketing calls to a blockchain-based Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform for better monitoring. Additionally, starting December 11, all messages must have a traceable trail from sender to recipient. While these measures address registered telemarketers, unregistered spammers continue to exploit loopholes and engage in illegal activities, posing a persistent challenge.
The scale of the spam problem in India is staggering, with 1.5–1.7 billion commercial messages sent daily, adding up to 55 billion messages monthly. Surveys reveal that six in ten consumers receive three or more spam calls daily, with financial services and real estate being the primary offenders. Similarly, 76% of consumers report receiving three or more spam messages every day, highlighting the ineffectiveness of blocking numbers.
Telecom operators have urged regulators to bring telemarketers under stricter accountability frameworks, as the current system allows telemarketers to evade penalties by switching operators. While Trai imposes financial penalties on telecom operators for spam on their networks, telcos argue they have limited control over telemarketers, leading to systemic inefficiencies. Experts call for collaborative approaches between telcos, regulators, and the government to address this persistent issue and create a more secure mobile ecosystem.
