Sun Dec 01 09:54:58 UTC 2024: ## India Tightens SMS Security: Deadline Approaching for Traceability Compliance
**NEW DELHI** – The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is cracking down on untraceable commercial text messages, implementing a new system to enhance security and accountability. Initially mandated for August 20, 2023, the deadline for all access providers to implement message traceability – ensuring all commercial messages are traceable from sender to recipient – was extended to November 30, 2023, to allow for necessary technical upgrades and sender registration.
To ensure widespread compliance, TRAI launched a comprehensive awareness campaign. This involved communication with various regulatory bodies including the RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, and IRDAI, as well as central and state government departments. Numerous webinars were also conducted in collaboration with access providers, bringing together Principal Entities (PEs), telemarketers (TMs), and industry stakeholders. Access providers further engaged directly with PEs and TMs through webinars, emails, and interactive sessions.
These efforts have resulted in over 27,000 PEs registering their message chains, with registrations continuing. However, TRAI is taking a firm stance against non-compliance. Access providers have issued warnings to those yet to comply, and a final deadline of December 10, 2024 has been set for all PEs and TMs to declare their PE-TM chains. Daily warnings will be issued to defaulters.
From December 11, 2024, any commercial text message with undefined or mismatched telemarketer chains will be rejected. TRAI is urging all PEs and TMs to prioritize registration to avoid disruption of their messaging services.
First Piper 