In a move that could provide a major relief to mobile phone users from spam calls and fraudulent messages, the government has proposed to mandate that the identity of the person sending the message or the caller should be visible to the receiver, even if regardless of the platform used for this. Communications.
“You all know there has been an increase in cases where people get calls saying I am asking for financial details from XYZ Bank which is causing fraud… or you get threats from unknown numbers… That’s why we have introduced a lot for user safety and to prevent cyber fraud.. We have dealt with this issue directly…” Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said on Friday, emphasizing that proposed telecom billl was to ensure the safety of users.
He added that the security of users will not be limited to calls made through landlines or normal voice calls, but all types of calls like WhatsApp calls, Zoom calls and FaceTime etc.
“No matter who is calling, if someone is calling me, I have a right to know who is calling. It is a right that every user has and it has now been put into act. One There should be light touch but focused and effective regulation which mainly focuses on the safety of the users,” he said.
legal framework
The draft Bill enables a legal framework to prevent harassment of users by unsolicited calls and messages and states that “the identity of the person sending the message using telecommunication services shall be available to the user receiving such message, as prescribed.” can be done” .
Speaking to reporters, the minister stressed that the government has envisaged a light touch regulatory environment that will not stifle innovation or increase the regulatory burden.
The draft bill, which was released earlier this week inviting comments from stakeholders, seeks to replace the existing legal framework that includes the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and the Telegraph Wire (Unlawful Possession) Act. , 1950, which is present. Control the telecom sector in the country.
This includes provisions like waiving dues for financially stressed operators, bringing over-the-top platforms (like WhatsApp, Zoom, Netflix) under the purview of telecom services that require a license to operate and in case Contains provisions for message blocking. public emergency.
When asked about licensing of OTT apps, the minister said that these are already covered under regulation under the Indian Telegraph Act as the interpretation of ‘telegraph’. “What is already telegraph – from the interpretation of the service you use today … is it telegraph? It is not … but … over time the first of all the services you use It is interpreted under the telegraph since … we are in 2022 … what we build in 2022, we need to consider the reality of 2022 … there is confusion with the interpretation … law certain It should be more clear. This has been done to bring clarity.”
transparent consultation
The minister said that the draft would go through a transparent consultation process and only then based on the inputs received, the final draft would be prepared.
Shri Vaishnav said that the government is working towards creating a comprehensive digital infrastructure. “Telecom laws should be seen in line with personal data protection and Digital India … and other things that are meant for digital … There is a sequence … Beginning with Telecom as it is the entry point of Digital India. Then there is data security and then there will be the Digital India Act…everything has to be looked at in line with each other.
The minister said he expects the new telecom bill to become law in the next six to 10 months.