DoT seeks TRAI views on regulating calls made via messaging apps

The Department of Telecom has sought the views of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to prepare a framework for regulating internet calling and messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal and Google Meet.

With the change in technical environment amid the emergence of new technologies, the Department of Telecom (DoT) has sent back a recommendation of TRAI on internet telephony issued in 2008, for review, and asked the sector regulator to come up with comprehensive reference.

In 2008, TRAI had recommended that ISPs (internet service providers) shall be allowed to provide internet telephony including calls on normal telephone networks but they will have to pay interconnection charges, install lawful interception equipment as per the requirement of security agencies etc.