The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has reportedly urged Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, to take stronger measures against scams originating from the messaging platform. This comes after the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) sought the ministry’s intervention to address the growing problem of spam and fraud.
According to a report by The Economic Times, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan confirmed that the government is actively addressing the issue with Meta. “This is a continuous process. Scammers will always find new ways, and we need to remain vigilant,” Krishnan stated.
Government’s Actions and User Guidance
The government is in ongoing discussions with WhatsApp and other stakeholders to combat the issue.
Users are advised to stay cautious and report any suspicious activity. As per IT rules, platforms like WhatsApp are required to have grievance officers to handle complaints. Users can escalate unresolved issues to a Grievance Appellate Committee.
TRAI’s Request for Action
TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti revealed that the regulator has asked MeitY to investigate and curb fraudulent calls and messages on WhatsApp. Lahoti emphasized that while TRAI monitors voice calls and SMS, the regulation of over-the-top (OTT) apps such as WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram falls under MeitY’s jurisdiction.
Challenges in Regulating OTT Platforms
Unlike telecom operators, OTT platforms are not regulated by TRAI or the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
While WhatsApp has shown some cooperation by blocking numbers flagged by the government, platforms like Telegram and Signal have yet to demonstrate substantial action against scams.
International spam calls and messages add another layer of complexity, as telcos have no authority over numbers originating from abroad.
Telcos Highlight the ‘OTT Scam Problem’
Telecom operators such as Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone-Idea have expressed concerns over the rising instances of spam on OTT platforms.
Efforts to block numbers at the telecom level fail to address spam on OTT platforms since these apps are not subject to licensing regulations.
- Scam calls and messages often bypass telecom controls by using international numbers.
- Fraud Tactics on OTT Apps
- Scammers have been exploiting platforms like WhatsApp for financial fraud through tactics such as:
- Remote Access: Requesting screen-sharing to gain unauthorized access to personal data.
- Phishing for OTPs: Stealing one-time passwords (OTPs) to siphon money from bank accounts.
Push for Regulation
With WhatsApp’s vast user base in India, the government is intensifying its efforts to address the issue. However, experts point out that platforms like Telegram and Signal also need to implement stricter controls to curb the growing menace of spam and phishing on OTT apps.
The government’s move underscores the urgency to establish more robust regulatory mechanisms for OTT platforms to ensure user safety and curb financial fraud.
