The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has instructed all Access Providers to implement an advanced system called UCC_Detect, which utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), to identify and take action against individuals or entities that send Commercial Communication without proper registration under the Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulations, 2018 (TCCCPR-2018). These unregistered telemarketers (UTMs) use 10-digit mobile numbers to send unsolicited messages or make calls.
TRAI’s Major Step To Deploy Artificial Intelligence In The System
TRAI has been actively taking measures to tackle Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC), which has been a significant source of inconvenience for the public. These efforts have resulted in a decrease in complaints against registered telemarketers (RTMs). However, despite the measures taken by the Telecommunication Service Providers (TSPs), UCC from UTMs continues to persist. In some cases, these UTMs deceive customers by sending messages with fraudulent links and telephone numbers, leading to financial losses.
To effectively identify and take action against such unregistered telemarketers, TRAI has mandated Access Service Providers to deploy the UCC_Detect System, incorporating AI and ML, within the framework of TCCCPR-2018. Each Access Service Provider has the flexibility to implement the system according to their own suitability and feasibility. However, due to the constant evolution of techniques used by UTMs to send unsolicited communications, the current UCC detect systems implemented by Access Service Providers are not fully equipped to detect such instances.
To ensure consistency in the implementation of the UCC_Detect System, TRAI has instructed all Access Providers to deploy an AI and ML-based UCC_Detect system that can adapt to new signatures, patterns, and techniques employed by UTMs. Furthermore, Access Providers have been directed to share intelligence with other providers through a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform. Access Providers must ensure that the UCC_Detect System is capable of detecting senders who engage in bulk Unsolicited Commercial Communications and fail to comply with regulatory provisions.
All Access Providers are required to comply with these directives and provide an updated status on the actions taken within a period of thirty days.