New Trai framework ensures traceability of SMS

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has implemented a framework to ensure traceability of commercial SMS, in an effort to create a spam-free messaging ecosystem. 

This is part of Trai’s ongoing efforts at safeguarding consumers from spam by enhancing the transparency and accountability of commercial messaging systems.

The new SMS framework requires all principal entities such as businesses, banks, and government agencies as well as their telemarketers to register their message transmission paths. This is done through blockchain-based Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), which ensures end-to-end traceability of messages, from origin to delivery, without delays or compromising data security.

Trai had originally set 1 November 2024 as the deadline for implementing the new SMS framework. However, considering the huge (nearly 1.3 lakh) entities involved in the commercial messaging activity, the deadline was extended to 30 November 2024 and later to 10 December 2024 to enable smooth onboarding of active entities across diverse sectors.

The implementation of the new SMS framework was done with support from sectoral regulators like RBI, Sebi, IRDAI, PFRDA, and government agencies such as NIC, C-DAC, and state governments.

Access providers also provided support through targeted outreach campaigns and technical guidance for seamless integration into the DLT system.

Almost all major principal entities now have their registered message transmission chains with access providers. SMS sent through unregistered paths is being rejected.

Trai has undertaken various other measure like disconnection of telecom access of spammers, whitlisting of URLs and migration of telemarketers to DLT platforms to combat spam.