Unsolicited Calls
The Modi government at the Centre has made full preparations to curb fake calls and messages. The government has drafted guidelines for this and has sought public comments by 21st July. After public comments and feedback, the bill will be presented and implemented. The way cases of fraud have come up through fake calls and messages in the last few years, this step of the government is going to provide relief to the common people.
Public comment till July 21
According to a PTI report, the government has drafted its guidelines and it has been made available for public comment till July 21. Earlier, TRAI and the Department of Telecommunications have issued a new 160 number series for banking and registered financial institutions to curb fake calls, so that people do not face any problem in identifying genuine and fake calls. Also, the Department of Telecommunications is also testing Caller ID Name Representation (CNAP) in two telecom circles.
Representatives of these sectors in the committee
Even before the Lok Sabha elections, the Central Government had formed a committee for unsolicited business communication. This committee has drafted the related bill, which has now been sent for public comment. The government’s aim is to protect the privacy rights of consumers. Representatives from different sectors have been included in the committee to draft this bill.
Apart from the telecom sector’s regulatory bodies Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Telecom Regulator (TRAI), this committee includes representatives from Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Reserve Bank, Insurance Regulator (IRDAI) and Cellular Operations Association of India (COAI).
Protecting users’ privacy
Comprehensive guidelines have been added in this bill being drafted to put a stop on fake calls and messages so that people’s privacy can be maintained in the promotional and commercial calls coming to them. The government issued an official statement saying, ‘It was observed that these calls not only violate the privacy of the users but also their rights. Most of such calls come from the financial services sector, followed by real estate.’