TRAI To Launch Updated DND App In Fight Against Spam Calls

Doubling down on its fight against spam, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is reportedly looking to launch an updated version of its do not disturb (DND) app to provide some relief to smartphone users.

As per ET’s report, citing TRAI chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, the updated app is to be launched within two months after stakeholders’s discussion on the app’s technical feasibility around new features. 

“Prima facie, it’s a good idea (blocking spam calls), but it has to be technically examined,” Lahoti added. 

The existing DND app, launched in 2016, faced criticism for its limited effectiveness and user engagement. 

Despite updates over the years, including a spam detection engine for SMS, many users have found the app cumbersome and ineffective, particularly on Android devices where bugs have been prevalent. 

Not to mention, TRAI did acknowledge these issues earlier this year and pointed out that it is actively working to resolve them by March 2024.

With approximately 270 Mn users in India reporting around 5 Mn spam calls daily, the revamped DND app is anticipated to reduce unwanted communications. TRAI also said that it has received over 7.9 Lakh complaints against unregistered telemarketers in the first half of 2024. 

The development comes as TRAI intensifies its fight against spam, taking several measures to crackdown on spam around SMS and over-the-top (OTT) messaging apps. 

Earlier this year, the telecom regulator was also said to be pushing the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to take strong measures against unsolicited communications via apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram. 

In September, taking cognizance of the TRAI’s directions telecom operators blacklisted 50 entities for spamming end users. In August, TRAI issued strict directives to telcos mandating immediate cessation of promotional voice calls from unregistered senders.