Spam Calls, Fraud Messages To End Soon: Telecom Minister Explains New Bill

Apps like Whatsapp, Zoom, Skype, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Microsoft Teams, and Google Duo which provide calling and messaging services may soon require licences to operate in India, according to the draft bill.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the government through its Telecom Bill is aiming to bring in 'Light Touch' regulations for Over the Top (OTT) platforms. He also said that the reforms would help subscribers get relief from spam calls and messages.

While addressing a press conference, the Union Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronics and Information Technology said that the bill will work as protection of the users.

"Wherever possible the regulation should have very effective means of achieving the objective. We have to make strict effective regulation wherever required, but rest in all the places there will be light touch and simple regulations, so nobody will have to face any hassle. This bill will work as protection of users," Mr Vaishnaw said.

The Union Minister further said that the draft telecom bill is currently under consultation with all the stakeholders and a final draft will be made based on the consultation.