No OTP delays: TRAI clears air on traceability regulations

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has dismissed recent reports claiming delays in One-Time Password (OTP) deliveries for services like Aadhaar verification and net banking due to new traceability rules set to take effect on December 1, 2024. The viral reports caused widespread concern, suggesting potential disruptions to OTP-based transactions critical for digital authentication.

TRAI clarified that these claims are baseless and assured users that OTP delivery will remain seamless under the new regulations. In a statement on X, TRAI said, “This is factually incorrect. TRAI has mandated the Access Providers to ensure message traceability. It will not delay delivery of any message.” The regulatory body emphasized its focus on enhancing both communication efficiency and security without causing inconvenience to consumers.

The new traceability guidelines aim to improve cybersecurity by enabling telecom providers to trace messages back to their source, a step expected to curb spam and fraudulent activities. Major telecom operators such as Jio, Airtel, BSNL, and Vodafone Idea have affirmed their commitment to maintaining uninterrupted services while complying with these enhanced security measures.

TRAI’s reassurance comes as a relief for businesses and consumers heavily reliant on OTP-based transactions for secure access to financial services and other digital platforms. These guidelines follow TRAI’s earlier efforts to combat unauthorized promotional calls and spam, including stringent penalties for offenders, such as disconnecting telecom resources and blacklisting violators for up to two years.