TRAI directs access providers to deploy AI and ML-based UCC detect system to curb unsolicited commercial communication

TRAI has directed all the access providers to deploy artificial intelligence and the machine learning-based UCC detect system to detect, identify, and act against the senders of commercial communication who are not registered in accordance with the provisions of the Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulations, 2018 (TCCCPR-2018). 

The entities that do not get registered with the access providers and use 10-digit mobile numbers for sending commercial communications through messages or calls are called Unregistered Telemarketers (UTMs).

TRAI has been taking various steps to curb Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC), which is a major source of inconvenience to the public. It has resulted in a reduction in complaints against Registered Telemarketers (RTMs). 

Despite measures taken by the TSPs, UCC from UTMs is still continuing. At times, these UTMs, through messages with fraudulent links and telephone numbers, trap the customers into sharing their personal information, causing financial loss to the customers.

To detect, identify, and act against all such UTMs, TRAI has been insisting on access service providers implement the UCC detect system with the requisite functionalities within the framework of TRAI’s Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulations, 2018 (TCCCPR-2018). Access service providers have implemented such detection system as per their suitability and feasibility. 

However, since UTMs are continuously evolving new techniques to send unsolicited communications, the current UCC detect system deployed by the access service providers are not fully capable of detecting such UCC.

"Therefore, in order to have uniformity in UCC Detect System implementations, TRAI has directed all access providers to deploy artificial intelligence and machine learning-based UCC Detect system, capable of constantly evolving to deal with new signatures, patterns, and techniques used by UTMs," TRAI said. 

The regulatory authority fruther said, "Access providers have also been directed to share intelligence with other access providers using the DLT platform. Access providers have further been directed to ensure that such a UCC detection system detects senders who are sending UCC in bulk and are not complying with the provisions of the regulations."

All the access providers are directed to comply with the above directions and forward an updated status on actions taken within thirty days.