Government monitoring not limited to calls, now includes pesky WhatsApp messages – Technology News

The government is gearing up to crack down on pesky calls and unsolicited messages, including those sent via SMS and social media platforms like WhatsApp. A new algorithm is in the works to identify and block numbers and messages used for marketing purposes.

Currently, promotional messages are required to be sent with headers, but marketing agencies often bypass this rule by using phone numbers instead. The upcoming algorithm will monitor the frequency of calls and messages from identified numbers, blocking those that exceed a certain limit and imposing penalties on their owners.

While these offenses will not lead to criminal prosecution, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will oversee the implementation of these new regulations. This initiative, spearheaded by the department of consumer affairs, aims to hold entities like banks, fintech companies, and real estate developers accountable for spam communication.

The guidelines will apply to all parties involved in business communication, including makers, engagers, intended beneficiaries, and those on whose behalf the communication was made. A uniform number series may be introduced for government bodies, and inter-departmental platforms will be established to educate consumers about these regulations.

With the prevalence of spam calls and messages on the rise, the government’s efforts to curb this nuisance are welcomed by mobile subscribers. A recent survey revealed that 60% of respondents receive three or more spam calls daily, with financial services and real estate being the most common offenders.

As the government takes steps to tighten regulations and hold businesses accountable for spam communication, consumers can look forward to a reduction in unwanted calls and messages cluttering their devices.