OTP messages likely to get heavily delayed as new rules kick in from Dec 1
PTC News Desk: Beginning December 1, significant regulatory changes by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) are expected to affect how major telecom providers such as Jio, Airtel, Vi, and BSNL manage commercial messaging and one-time passwords (OTPs).
These new rules, intended to improve message traceability, are part of TRAI's larger effort to protect customers from fraud and online crime.
The TRAI's traceability guidelines require telecom companies to track the origins of all commercial messages, including OTPs. This measure is crucial in combating increasing cyber fraud, in which criminals use fake OTPs to deceive users into disclosing sensitive information or unknowingly granting access to their devices.
These scams have had serious financial effects, requiring TRAI to take swift action.
While telecom providers were initially granted until October 31 to adopt these measures, they requested additional time to ensure compliance. TRAI extended the deadline to November 31, providing operators more time to change their systems.
As these rules take effect, users may suffer delays in receiving OTPs, especially during banking transactions, online bookings, or other activities that require secure verification. TRAI recognises that these temporary inconveniences are required to create a more secure digital ecosystem in the long run.
Looking ahead to January 1, 2025, a new set of regulations will transform the telecom environment. The government has implemented revisions to the Telecom Act aimed at accelerating the development of 5G infrastructure across the country. These revisions include standardised Right of Way (RoW) requirements, which would make it easier to build up telecom infrastructure.
- PTC NEWS
