TRAI Sparks Controversy by Excluding Communication Apps from New Licensing Regime

CosmicTaco · 2024-09-19T12:44:01.136059+05:30

- TRAI's latest recommendations on the Telecommunications Act, 2023, exclude online messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. - Digital advocacy groups' demands to keep OTT apps outside the Act's ambit have been heeded. - Telecom operators and OTT apps remain at odds, with operators pushing for a licensing regime for such apps. - TRAI proposes a unified authorization for all telecom services, including a new Satellite-based Telecommunication Service Authorization. - The recommendations follow a consultation paper that sought feedback on regulating OTT apps and issues like selective banning and lawful interception. Source: [Inc42](https://inc42.com/buzz/ott-regulation-trai-skips-mention-of-communication-apps-in-new-recommendations/)

TRAI's latest recommendations on the Telecommunications Act, 2023, exclude online messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal.
Digital advocacy groups' demands to keep OTT apps outside the Act's ambit have been heeded.
Telecom operators and OTT apps remain at odds, with operators pushing for a licensing regime for such apps.
TRAI proposes a unified authorization for all telecom services, including a new Satellite-based Telecommunication Service Authorization.
The recommendations follow a consultation paper that sought feedback on regulating OTT apps and issues like selective banning and lawful interception.

Source: Inc42