TRAI New OTP Rule: Key Changes Effective from December 1
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has decided to implement new traceability guidelines starting today, December 1. These guidelines aim to curb spam and fraudulent messages and enhance consumer security. However, some concerns have been raised about potential delays in critical messages such as OTPs (One-Time Passwords).
What Do the New Guidelines Entail?
Under these guidelines, all telecom operators and messaging service providers must verify the origin and authenticity of every message. These measures are being enforced under the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) system, introduced to combat spam and improve message traceability.
Businesses must register their sender IDs (headers) and message templates with telecom operators. Messages that do not match the registered templates or headers may be blocked or flagged.
What Does TRAI Say?
In a recent post, TRAI clarified that the new guidelines would not cause any delays in OTP messages. Media reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate. TRAI stated, “This information is completely false. We will ensure there are no delays in message traceability.”
OTPs are critical for digital transactions, authentication, and secure logins. Under the new rules, service providers must ensure that OTP messages comply with the registered templates and headers.
Potential Impacts
- Transition Period:
Businesses transitioning to the DLT system may experience some delays in message processing during the adjustment phase. - Verification Process:
Every OTP will undergo a verification process, which could result in slight delays during peak times.
How to Stay Safe?
- Keep Contact Details Updated:
Ensure your mobile number is correctly linked with all services to avoid disruptions. - Use App-Based Authentication:
Where possible, enable app-based authentication as a backup for OTPs. - Be Patient:
Initial delays may occur, but as businesses and telecom operators adapt to the new system, these issues will be resolved.
A More Secure Messaging Ecosystem
While the transition may pose minor challenges, TRAI’s guidelines represent a significant step toward creating a more secure messaging environment. The system is designed to block spam and fraudulent messages effectively. Although OTP delays may be noticeable initially, the long-term benefits of enhanced security will outweigh these inconveniences.