How TRAI's new rule will relieve you of spam calls
What's the story
Nothing is probably more annoying than receiving spam calls and messages, especially if you are in the middle of an important task. Starting Monday, you will be relieved of spam communications thanks to the new rule imposed by the Telecom Regulator Authority of India (TRAI). The new regulation mandates that all telecom companies must use AI spam filters for calls and messaging services.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Spam calls and messages are extremely bothersome, and most of us usually ignore them. However, customers who are unaware often fall prey to serious scams and end up getting cheated out of their money. The new regulations brought in by the TRAI are a welcome move that could soon put an end to fraud and harassment.
Rule
New regulations will be effective starting today
Telcos, including Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL, are now required to use artificial intelligence-based spam filters for calls and messages. The main goal is that the filters should be able to identify and block unauthorized promotional messages and calls, providing relief to users and bringing down cases of scams. The new AI-based spam filters will be implemented starting Monday.
Mandate
Telcos asked to bring in caller ID feature
The telcos have also been asked to stop making promotional calls from 10-digit mobile numbers, which are frequently used by fraudsters and spammers. Moreover, the TRAI has directed telecom operators to bring in a caller ID option, which will display the name and contact number of the callers. This is intended to help users better identify the incoming caller.
Response
Airtel, Jio agreed to implement spam filters
In response to the new TRAI regulations, Airtel and Reliance Jio have agreed to implement AI-based spam filters. Airtel has officially confirmed that it will introduce spam filters, and Jio is expected to bring in the necessary changes in the coming months. However, both telcos are reluctant about the caller ID function or the Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) due to privacy concerns.
Information
How you can permanently block spam calls
The TRAI also has a dedicated service called the National Customer Preference Register (NCPR), through which you can permanently block spam calls. You can sign up for the DND service and choose which type of telemarketing calls you do not wish to receive.
Instructions
Follow these instructions to block spam calls using DND service
Head to the messages app on your smartphone, type "START" and send it to 1909. You will receive a list of categories, including banking, education, and health, along with the corresponding codes. Select the type of promotional calls you want to block and reply to the message with the specified code. You will receive a confirmation message from your service provider.