The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has tightened its framework to curb spam and unsolicited commercial communications, allowing telecom operators to initiate action against suspected spam senders based on AI and machine-learning systems, without waiting for a customer complaint.
The provisions are part of the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026, notified by TRAI on September 18. Under the revised framework, when an AI/ML-based system flags a number as suspected of sending unsolicited commercial communication, the telecom operator detecting it must share the flagged Calling Line Identification (CLI) with the operator from whose network the communication originated within two hours.
The Originating Access Provider (OAP) will then have to identify the KYC details associated with the flagged number. Other telecom operators will also check their records for additional connections linked to the same sender. The system is designed to identify patterns across multiple numbers and enable action against senders who are found to be repeatedly involved in suspected spam activity.
If the prescribed threshold of suspicious CLIs linked to a sender is reached within the specified period, telecom operators can initiate action against the sender and the associated telecom resources.
15-day suspension for first violation
For a first violation detected through the AI/ML-based system, outgoing services associated with the sender can be suspended for 15 days. The action can extend to all telecom resources belonging to the sender, including connections that were not directly used for the particular spam communication that triggered the detection.
In case of a repeat violation, the sender’s telecom resources, including SIM cards, PRI and SIP trunks, may be disconnected for up to one year. The sender can also be blacklisted during this period and prevented from obtaining fresh telecom resources. In serious cases, the matter may be referred to law enforcement agencies.
Restrictions on call-management apps
The new framework also sets out rules for call-management applications and similar services. Such apps will not be allowed to automatically tag, block or filter calls originating from number series designated by TRAI for specific commercial communications. However, consumers will continue to have the option of manually blocking or filtering calls on their own devices.
How to block promotional calls
Consumers who want to opt out of all promotional commercial communications can send an SMS reading “BLOCK PROMO” to 1909. The facility is intended to block promotional communications while allowing transactional, service-related and government communications to continue. TRAI’s framework also provides for migration of existing ‘FULLY BLOCK’ preferences to the new ‘BLOCK PROMO’ category.
The new provisions are being implemented in phases, with the process scheduled to be completed within the timelines specified by TRAI following notification of the regulations.