TRAI Starts Digital Consent Pilot with RBI and Leading Banks
ECONOMY & POLICY

TRAI Starts Digital Consent Pilot with RBI and Leading Banks

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has noted that many spam-related complaints from consumers are directed at businesses they have previously engaged with for goods or services. When investigated, these businesses often claim they hold the consumer’s consent for sending commercial messages or making calls. 
 
Under the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2018, commercial communications can be made to consumers, even if they are on the Do Not Disturb (DND) list, as long as the sender has obtained explicit consent. However, in many instances, consent is gathered through offline or unverifiable means, making its authenticity difficult to confirm. Some consumers have reported that their contact details were acquired through misleading methods or without authorisation. 
 
In response, TRAI has introduced several regulatory initiatives in recent years to tackle these issues. These include allowing complaints against unregistered telemarketers (UTMs) regardless of DND status, and the large-scale disconnection of telecom resources exploited for spamming. Nonetheless, verifying consent that is claimed to be obtained offline continues to pose a serious challenge. 
 
To address this, the regulations mandate that entities acquire digital consent and register it within a secure, interoperable consent registry managed by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs). This registry enables quick verification of consent during commercial communications. However, for the framework to function effectively, the active participation of businesses sending such communications is essential. 
 
To facilitate national implementation, TRAI has launched a Pilot Project in partnership with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), involving selected banks. On 13th June 2025, TRAI issued a directive to all TSPs, instructing them to initiate this pilot framework in collaboration with banks. Given the high risk of fraud and spam in the financial sector, banks have been chosen as the first participants. The pilot, operating within a Regulatory Sandbox, aims to validate the technical, operational, and compliance components of the upgraded Consent Registration Function (CRF), paving the way for future expansion into other sectors. 
 
TRAI remains dedicated to protecting consumer rights and reinforcing trust in legitimate commercial communication. The Authority will continue to coordinate with other regulators and stakeholders to build a safer, more transparent, and consumer-focused digital ecosystem. 

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has noted that many spam-related complaints from consumers are directed at businesses they have previously engaged with for goods or services. When investigated, these businesses often claim they hold the consumer’s consent for sending commercial messages or making calls.  Under the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2018, commercial communications can be made to consumers, even if they are on the Do Not Disturb (DND) list, as long as the sender has obtained explicit consent. However, in many instances, consent is gathered through offline or unverifiable means, making its authenticity difficult to confirm. Some consumers have reported that their contact details were acquired through misleading methods or without authorisation.  In response, TRAI has introduced several regulatory initiatives in recent years to tackle these issues. These include allowing complaints against unregistered telemarketers (UTMs) regardless of DND status, and the large-scale disconnection of telecom resources exploited for spamming. Nonetheless, verifying consent that is claimed to be obtained offline continues to pose a serious challenge.  To address this, the regulations mandate that entities acquire digital consent and register it within a secure, interoperable consent registry managed by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs). This registry enables quick verification of consent during commercial communications. However, for the framework to function effectively, the active participation of businesses sending such communications is essential.  To facilitate national implementation, TRAI has launched a Pilot Project in partnership with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), involving selected banks. On 13th June 2025, TRAI issued a directive to all TSPs, instructing them to initiate this pilot framework in collaboration with banks. Given the high risk of fraud and spam in the financial sector, banks have been chosen as the first participants. The pilot, operating within a Regulatory Sandbox, aims to validate the technical, operational, and compliance components of the upgraded Consent Registration Function (CRF), paving the way for future expansion into other sectors.  TRAI remains dedicated to protecting consumer rights and reinforcing trust in legitimate commercial communication. The Authority will continue to coordinate with other regulators and stakeholders to build a safer, more transparent, and consumer-focused digital ecosystem. 

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement