The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is reportedly intensifying its efforts to combat the growing menace of spam and scam communications originating from Over-The-Top (OTT) messaging applications. Sources indicate that the ministry is likely to initiate stakeholder consultations soon to devise effective strategies to curb this rising issue.
This move by MeitY comes amid increasing concerns raised by telecom operators and consumers regarding the unchecked proliferation of unsolicited messages and fraudulent activities on platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram. While the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has been tightening regulations around Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC) on traditional telecom networks, a similar regulatory framework for OTT platforms has been largely absent.
The Ministry’s decision to take the lead on this issue was reportedly conveyed during a recent meeting of the Joint Committee of Regulators (JCoR). This indicates a potential shift in approach, with the responsibility of regulating digital platforms now falling under the purview of the relevant ministries.
The anticipated stakeholder consultations will likely involve representatives from OTT platforms, telecom service providers, consumer advocacy groups, and other relevant entities. The aim will be to understand the challenges, explore potential technological and policy-based solutions, and establish a framework to mitigate the spam surge on these widely used communication channels.
This proactive step by MeitY signals a growing recognition of the need to ensure a safer digital environment for users and address the increasing instances of fraud and inconvenience caused by spam on OTT messaging apps.
Key Highlights:
- MeitY is preparing to tackle the surge in spam on OTT messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
- The ministry is expected to hold stakeholder consultations soon to find solutions.
- This move follows concerns about the lack of regulation for spam on OTT platforms compared to traditional telecom networks.
- MeitY’s involvement suggests a government focus on creating a safer digital communication environment.