TRAI Grants Extension to Access Providers for Whitelisting URLs and OTT Links

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has granted Access Providers an extension until October 1, 2024, to comply with new regulations on whitelisting URLs, APKs, and OTT links. The original directive, issued on August 20, 2024, requires Access Providers to block any traffic containing unwhitelisted URLs, APKs, or OTT links. This measure aims to curb the misuse of headers and content templates, enhancing security within the telecom sector.

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Implementation of Call-Back Number

Further, in response to concerns from Access Providers, TRAI has also postponed the timeline for implementing call-back numbers, with a revised schedule to be announced separately.

“The TRAI has directed all Access Providers to furnish to the Authority an updated status on action taken within fifteen days and a compliance report within thirty days from date of issue of this Direction,” The Ministry of Communications said in an official statement on August 30.

TRAI Granted Extension

Earlier in August, TRAI mandated that, starting September 1, 2024, telecom providers must block any messages containing URLs or APKs that are not whitelisted as part of efforts to curb the spread of malicious links. Now, in response to requests from Access Providers for additional time, TRAI has granted an extension for the implementation of this mandate.

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This extension gives Access Providers additional time to ensure their systems meet the new security standards.