The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, has urged the government to impose regulations on over-the-top (OTT) communication services like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Google Meet. COAI argues that these apps, which offer services similar to those of traditional telecom operators and use the same internet infrastructure, should be subject to the same rules, especially concerning traceability and user privacy.
SP Kochhar, COAI’s Director General, expressed concerns about security and regulatory compliance within the OTT sector. He noted that while there are frequent complaints about spam and illegal activities on these platforms, there is often inadequate accountability and resolution of these issues. Kochhar emphasized the need to balance national security with personal privacy, stating that national security should take precedence. He believes that regulating OTT apps similarly to telecom services would be a step in the right direction.
COAI highlighted a shift in communication traffic from traditional SMS services to OTT platforms, making it harder for telecom operators to address spam and illegal activities without appropriate regulatory oversight. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has already mandated enhanced message traceability for telecom operators starting November 1, 2024. However, COAI insists that these measures should also apply to OTT apps to ensure fairness and protect user privacy.
Kochhar also pointed out the significant revenue generated by OTT apps compared to traditional SMS services and stressed that most cyber frauds now occur on OTT platforms. He argued that applying the same regulations to OTT apps as those governing telecom operators is essential for a more secure and accountable digital ecosystem.
While acknowledging the importance of personal privacy, COAI underscored the need to prioritize national security by regulating OTT apps under the same framework as telecom services.
