Daily Current Affairs : 20-January-2025
Spam, particularly unsolicited calls and messages, has become a growing concern in India. These unwanted communications are typically sent for advertising purposes or, worse, to scam individuals. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been working hard to combat spam and improve the security of telecom services. To strengthen the fight against spam, TRAI has decided to use Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). This move is expected to make commercial messages traceable and reduce the number of fraudulent calls and messages.
What is Spam and Why Is It a Concern?
Spam messages and calls are unsolicited communications that are often used for malicious purposes, such as:
- Privacy Invasion: These messages can involve the unauthorized sharing of personal information, which breaches privacy.
- Scams and Fraud: Many spam messages trick individuals into sharing sensitive data, such as bank details, leading to financial loss or identity theft.
- Overload and Disruption: The volume of spam can overwhelm users, causing inconvenience and disruption to their daily life.
- Regulatory Challenges: Even though there are laws to curb spam, new tactics from spammers often outpace the efforts to enforce these regulations.
- Lack of Awareness: Many people, particularly in rural areas, are unaware of how to block or report spam, which makes them more vulnerable to scams.
Regulations to Combat Spam
The TRAI has been actively regulating spam in India, and several steps have been taken over the years to reduce unsolicited commercial communications:
- DND Registry: In 2007, TRAI introduced the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) registry. Customers who sign up for DND are not supposed to receive any spam messages or calls.
- TCCCPR 2018: Under the Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation, 2018, telemarketers who contact DND-registered customers are warned. If they continue, they can be blacklisted.
- 2024 Update: TRAI mandated that DND reporting be made available on every telecom provider’s app.
The Role of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)
TRAI has now decided to use blockchain technology, also known as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), to address spam issues. This technology will ensure that all messages sent to customers can be traced, making it easier to identify the source. Key features of DLT include:
- A constantly updated list of approved senders of SMS messages.
- The requirement for telcos to approve specific message formats.
- Ensuring that messages are only sent by authorized entities, which prevents spam from reaching customers.
By implementing this system, TRAI aims to create a reliable and tamper-proof record of each message sent. This will help prevent anyone from bypassing the system and sending spam messages.
Other Measures to Tackle Spam
In addition to using DLT, other steps have been taken to reduce spam in India:
- Sanchar Saathi Portal: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched this portal, which allows people to report fraudulent calls and messages. The DoT has also partnered with law enforcement and banks to tackle scams more effectively.
- Airtel’s AI-driven Spam Detection: Telecom companies like Airtel are using artificial intelligence to label suspicious calls as “Suspected Spam.” Other companies are following suit with similar technologies.
- Telecom Security Operation Centre: The DoT has set up this center in New Delhi to monitor suspicious internet traffic in real time and ensure quick responses to emerging threats.
Important Points:
Spam Issues:
- Spam refers to unsolicited calls and messages, often used for advertising or scams.
- Concerns include privacy invasion, scams, overload, disruption, and regulatory challenges.
Regulatory Measures:
- DND Registry: Introduced in 2007, allows users to block spam by signing up for the Do-Not-Disturb list.
- TCCCPR 2018: Telemarketers who violate DND rules face warnings and possible blacklisting.
- 2024 Update: TRAI mandated DND reporting on telecom provider apps.
Use of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT):
- DLT (blockchain) will make spam messages traceable and ensure only approved senders can send messages.
- DLT features include:
- A constantly updated list of approved senders.
- Telcos must approve message formats before they are sent.
- A tamper-proof system to prevent unauthorized spam.
Additional Measures:
- Sanchar Saathi Portal: Allows consumers to report fraudulent calls and messages.
- Airtel’s AI-driven Spam Detection: Labels suspicious calls as “Suspected Spam.”
- Telecom Security Operation Centre: Monitors real-time internet traffic to detect and respond to threats.
Why In News
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will be using distributed ledger technology (DLT) to register spam preferences from customers, ensuring a more secure and transparent system for tracking and managing unsolicited communications. This technology will help create an immutable record of who sends messages, making it easier to identify and block spam sources.
MCQs about The Fight Against Spam in India
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What is the primary purpose of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) using Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)?
A. To improve network speed
B. To reduce the cost of telecom services
C. To register spam preferences and make commercial messages traceable
D. To enhance data security for customers
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Which of the following is one of the key concerns caused by spam messages and calls?
A. Reduced internet speed
B. Privacy invasion and potential scams
C. Increased mobile phone battery life
D. Improved network connectivity
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What is the purpose of the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) registry introduced by TRAI in 2007?
A. To improve customer service quality
B. To allow customers to block spam messages and calls
C. To enhance telecom network coverage
D. To provide free telecom services
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What is the role of the Sanchar Saathi portal in tackling spam?
A. To offer discounts on telecom services
B. To allow users to report fraudulent calls and messages
C. To provide free data for telecom users
D. To track internet usage patterns
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