TRAI Tightens Grip on AI-Detected Spam Calls

India is moving toward a more proactive approach to curb unwanted commercial calls and repeat telecom violations.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced stricter rules that require telecom operators to act on suspected spammers identified through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) systems.

The changes form part of the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026.

Under the new framework, operators must quickly investigate calls flagged as suspected spam. The originating access provider will receive relevant call details within two hours.

It will then have one business day to identify the sender using unique KYC details.

Meanwhile, other operators must check whether the same sender used additional connections during the previous ten days.

If five or more called line identification (CLI) numbers are linked to that sender, operators must take action.

For a first AI-detected violation, all outgoing services linked to the sender will be blocked for 15 days.

Importantly, the restriction can cover telecom resources even if they were not directly involved in the offending calls.

Repeat violations will trigger tougher measures. Operators can disconnect associated SIMs, PRI and SIP resources for one year.

In addition, the sender will be blacklisted and prevented from obtaining fresh telecom resources during that period.

However, TRAI allows one telephone number to remain active for access to notified emergency outgoing services. Outgoing services on that number will otherwise remain barred.

Furthermore, operators must trace other connections linked to the same KYC identity. They can also refer serious cases to law enforcement agencies.

TRAI has also restricted call-management apps from blocking designated number series, including certain 1600 and 140 numbers. Consumers can still block calls directly through their devices.

The revised framework introduces another change for A2P calls. Terminating access providers can charge originating providers up to 5 paise per minute.

Finally, consumers can now send BLOCK PROMO to 1909 to stop promotional communications across categories. Existing FULLY BLOCK preferences will shift to the new category within 15 days.

The rules will take effect in phases, between 30 and 90 days after notification.

Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image published on January 28, 2019

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/1570675