TRAI Strengthens Anti-Spam Rules Under TCCCPR-2018 to Curb Unsolicited Commercial Communication
These measures are designed to protect consumer rights while ensuring prompt and effective action against spammers.
New Delhi, August 8: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has tightened provisions under the Telecommunications Commercial Communications Consumers Preference Regulations, 2018 (TCCCPR-2018) to better combat Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC), commonly known as spam.
The regulations allow telecom subscribers to either block all commercial messages or selectively block them by category. Complaints against spam can be lodged via the DND 1909 mobile app, SMS to short code 1909, or by calling 1909.
Under TCCCPR-2018, TRAI has powers to:
- Blacklist registered entities and telemarketers violating norms.
- Take action against Unregistered Telemarketers (UTMs)—including issuing warnings, imposing usage caps, and disconnecting numbers for repeated violations.
- Levy financial disincentives on access service providers failing to curb UCC.
Key Amendments (February 12, 2025)
The latest amendments introduce stricter timelines and tougher enforcement:
- Complaint window extended — Subscribers now have 7 days (earlier 3 days) to report spam.
- Faster action — Access providers must act on UCC complaints against unregistered senders within 5 days (earlier 30 days).
- Stricter criteria for penal action against spam senders to ensure prompt enforcement.
Consumer Awareness Mandate
Access service providers are required to educate subscribers about:
- Procedures for registering preferences and revoking consent.
- How to file complaints or report spam.
- Consequences of engaging in UCC, including possible disconnection of telecom resources.
Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar informed the Rajya Sabha that these measures are designed to protect consumer rights while ensuring prompt and effective action against spammers.
