**New Delhi, India** – Indian mobile subscribers are increasingly falling victim to a surge in spam calls and SMS messages, with miscreants exploiting mobile phones for scamming and other nefarious activities. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been actively working to combat this issue, but the sheer volume of unsolicited communications continues to pose a significant challenge.
The Scale of the Problem
A recent study highlighted that Indian mobile users receive an average of 20-25 spam calls per week. The volume of spam SMS messages is equally alarming, with users receiving an estimated 8-10 spam messages daily. These unsolicited communications often come in the form of promotional calls, phishing attempts, and fraudulent messages aimed at extracting personal information or financial details from unsuspecting victims.
TRAI’s Measures to Tackle the Issue
In response to the growing menace, TRAI has implemented several stringent measures to curb spam calls and SMS abuse. These include:
– **Blacklisting and Disconnection**: Entities found making promotional voice calls in violation of regulations face disconnection of telecom resources and blacklisting for up to two years. Over 800 entities and individuals have been blacklisted, and more than 18 lakh telecom resources have been disconnected.
– **Mandatory Whitelisting**: Access Providers have implemented mandatory whitelisting of URLs, APKs, and OTT links in messages to ensure only safe and approved links are transmitted.
– **Enhanced Message Traceability**: Technical solutions have been put in place to ensure the traceability of entities involved in sending messages, making it easier to track and take action against spammers.
– **Distributed Ledger Technology (Blockchain)**: Telemarketing calls starting with the 140xx numbering series have been migrated to a Blockchain platform for strict monitoring and control.
####Despite these efforts, the impact on consumers remains significant. Many individuals report feeling harassed by the constant barrage of spam calls and messages, which not only disrupts their daily lives but also poses a risk to their personal and financial security. The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal has seen a rise in reports of mobile phone abuse for scamming purposes, with fraudsters using deceptive tactics to gain access to sensitive information.
Consumer Awareness and Vigilance
To protect themselves, consumers are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to their Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Reporting spam calls and messages within three days of receiving them is crucial for initiating investigations and taking action against the senders.
Conclusion
The battle against spam calls and SMS messages in India is ongoing, with TRAI and other authorities working tirelessly to safeguard consumer interests. However, the responsibility also lies with mobile subscribers to stay informed and proactive in reporting and avoiding unsolicited communications. As the digital landscape evolves, continued vigilance and cooperation between authorities and consumers will be essential in mitigating this pervasive issue.
