Indian Mobile Users Get Temporary Relief as TRAI Extends Deadline for OTP Compliance Until October 1
Indian Mobile Users Get Temporary Relief as TRAI Extends Deadline for OTP Compliance Until October 1
Telecom operators granted a one-month extension to whitelist SMS content, ensuring bank OTPs and app logins remain uninterrupted until October.
Indian mobile users have been granted a temporary reprieve from potential OTP failures for bank transactions and app logins, as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has extended the deadline for telecom operators to comply with new messaging regulations until October 1.
TRAI had previously mandated that all telecom operators whitelist URLs, APKs, and OTT links contained in SMS messages to curb spam and phishing attempts. This regulation was set to take effect on September 1 but has now been delayed by one month, giving service providers additional time to implement the necessary changes without disrupting crucial services like bank OTPs.
The extension comes as part of TRAI’s ongoing effort to enhance the security of mobile communications. By requiring the whitelisting of specific content in SMS messages, TRAI aims to prevent the misuse of headers and content templates often employed by scammers in phishing schemes.
Service providers have been directed to submit updated action reports within 15 days and compliance reports within 30 days of the extension. Starting October 1, any SMS traffic containing non-whitelisted URLs or links will be blocked, and access providers will face punitive measures for non-compliance. This includes penalties for miscategorized content templates and potential suspension of services for repeat offenders.
While users can breathe easy for now, the telecom regulator is urging providers to expedite the process to ensure a smooth transition and prevent any disruptions in services when the final deadline arrives.
This step is part of the broader initiative by the Indian government and TRAI to create a more secure and efficient telecom ecosystem, protecting users from malicious content while maintaining the integrity of essential services like banking and app logins.
