Indian telecom operators request Trai to include OTT apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram under the licensing regime in the new Telecommunication Act, 2023.

Indian telecom operators, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, have requested the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to include over-the-top (OTT) apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram under the licensing regime in the new Telecommunication Act, 2023. They argue that these apps should be considered as services provided through authorisation, helping to address challenges for law enforcement, consumer privacy, and cybersecurity. Bringing OTT communication service providers under the licensing regime would ensure uniform rules, data privacy, and cybersecurity compliance.

August 16, 2024
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