No More OTPs after November 1? Telecom Companies Take Steps to Boost Online Security
No More OTPs after November 1? Telecom Companies Take Steps to Boost Online Security
In a move aimed at combating cybercrime, Indian telecom giants such as Jio and Airtel have announced new regulatory measures following guidelines from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). This initiative seeks to address a common tactic used by cybercriminals to impersonate officials and deceive unsuspecting victims, enhancing India’s defenses against such fraudulent activities.
New TRAI Regulation on OTPs Effective from November 1
The new TRAI regulations, effective November 1, require telecom companies to ensure traceability for all transactional and service messages sent by e-commerce platforms, banks, and other financial institutions. Under these rules, telecom companies must block messages with irregular sending chains, which may affect the delivery of OTPs and other essential alerts.
Telecom Companies Seek Extension to Avoid Disruption
TRAI initially directed telecom operators to monitor messages from banks and financial institutions as early as August 2023. With the deadline approaching, telecom companies report that many Principal Entities (PEs) and telemarketers are not yet prepared for the transition. Consequently, PEs are requesting an additional two-month extension to update their systems and avoid disruptions in OTP and transaction message delivery. This extension, if granted, could prevent interruptions that would affect users nationwide.
Government’s Anti-Scam Efforts: Spoofed Call Prevention System
Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia recently introduced the International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System. This system aims to protect Indian subscribers from fraudulent calls that appear to be from Indian numbers (+91) but originate from abroad. Cybercriminals often use this tactic to impersonate government officials and exploit victims’ fear to conduct scams.
Rising Threat of Digital Scams
These initiatives come amid a significant increase in sophisticated digital scams, including those involving international spoofed calls. In these scams, fraudsters often pose as law enforcement officials, using video calls to intimidate victims and falsely accuse them of criminal activities. TRAI’s identification of such scams underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations to protect consumers in the digital age.
Impact on Consumers
Due to the new regulations, Indian telecom subscribers may experience temporary disruptions in OTP delivery and other transactional messages starting November 1 if the extension is not approved. While TRAI’s rules and the government’s new measures represent critical steps in securing digital communications, they may temporarily affect the convenience of receiving vital messages.
The combined efforts of telecom companies, TRAI, and the government underscore a commitment to safeguarding Indian consumers from cyber threats while maintaining secure and reliable digital communication channels.
