TRAI brings regulatory mechanism & selective banning of OTT services under the scanner

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a Consultation Paper on Regulatory Mechanism for Over-The-Top (OTT) Communication Services, and Selective Banning of OTT Services.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has requested TRAI to reconsider its recommendations on Regulatory Framework for Over-The-Top (OTT) Communication Services and suggest a suitable regulatory mechanism for OTTs, including issues related to "selective banning of OTT services" as part of its recommendations.

DoT emphasized the need to holistically examine various aspects of OTT services, including regulatory, economic, security, privacy, and safety aspects, considering the significant growth and maturity of these services. This approach aligns with the National Digital Communications Policy - 2018, which aims to ensure a holistic and harmonized approach to harness emerging technologies.
In response to DoT's letter, TRAI expressed its view that a fresh consultation process should be initiated to frame a suitable regulatory framework for OTT services.

To gather inputs from stakeholders, TRAI has published a Consultation Paper on Regulatory Mechanism for Over-The-Top (OTT) Communication Services, and Selective Banning of OTT Services on its website (www.trai.gov.in). Interested parties are invited to submit written comments on the issues raised in the Consultation Paper by 4th August 2023, and counter comments by 18th August 2023.