WhatsApp And Signal May Not Require Licences To Operate In India-Report

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WhatsApp And Signal May Not Require Licences To Operate In India-Report
01 Nov 2022
min read

News Synopsis

While Over-the-top OTT communication platforms like WhatsApp and Signal may not need licences to operate in India, user protection will need to be improved. According to a report, there has been consensus that customer protection must take priority in discussions between the government and stakeholders regarding the proposed telecom bill.

According to the report, different stakeholders will keep talking about "light-touch regulations" for OTT communication platforms.

The draft telecom bill, according to telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, focuses on two things: consumer protection and regulations. The measures, which would only be "light touch," will be implemented largely to safeguard consumers from cyberattacks.

Vaishnaw said that the new bill, which repeals the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act of 1950, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, and the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, won't weaken the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's authority (TRAI).

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, "What we understand now is that people (OTTs) are okay with user protection-related regulations...they did not want to have a licence and that was not our intent as well."

However, a number of telcos have consistently encouraged the centre to subject OTTs to the licencing scheme. They added that the ITTs must be requested to adhere to security standards and other legal duties.

The carriers have also requested a new, more precise definition of OTT communication services in the new telecom bill.

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