TRAI Extends Deadline for Telecom Providers to Whitelist URLs and Links
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has granted a one-month extension to telecom providers to comply with its directive to whitelist URLs, APKs, and OTT links. The new deadline is October 1, 2024.
This step aims to curb the misuse of headers and content templates, ensuring a more secure and efficient telecom ecosystem. The Ministry of Communications stated that the revised timeline for implementing call-back numbers will be announced separately.
TRAI has directed all access providers to update the authority on their progress within fifteen days and submit a compliance report within thirty days from the date of the directive.
These measures are intended to create a clean and secure messaging ecosystem, safeguard consumer interests, and prevent fraudulent activities.
Doubts Revealed
TRAI -: TRAI stands for Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. It is a government body that oversees and regulates the telecom industry in India.
Whitelist -: To whitelist something means to mark it as safe or allowed. In this case, telecom providers need to mark certain URLs and links as safe.
URLs -: URLs are web addresses that you type in a browser to visit a website, like www.google.com.
APKs -: APKs are files used to install apps on Android devices. They are like the setup files for apps.
OTT links -: OTT stands for Over-The-Top. OTT links are used for streaming services like Netflix or Hotstar, which deliver content over the internet.
Compliance report -: A compliance report is a document that shows whether rules and guidelines are being followed. Telecom providers need to submit this to TRAI.
Call-back numbers -: Call-back numbers are phone numbers that you can call back to verify or get more information. The timeline for implementing these will be announced later.