The Telecom regulator in India, TRAI has started discussions on whether specific apps and websites should be banned in the country under the provisions of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 or any other law during emergency situations.

Regulator Trai floated a consultation paper to explore a framework for internet-based calls and messaging apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, Apple's FaceTime etc. and selectively ban their services in special situations.

Trai, which has come out with a Consultation Paper on Regulatory Mechanism for OTT Communication Services, is seeking answers to what could be the technical challenges in selective banning of specific services and websites in specific regions of the country for a specific period.

Trai is also finding out whether OTT communication services-such as voice and video calls and messaging-should be brought under a licensing/regulatory framework, such as those mandated for regular telecom providers like Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio.

The panel has recommended the DoT to examine the recommendation of Trai and come out with a policy which will enable the selective banning of OTT services such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram during unrest and crisis as these apps are prone to be used by terrorists or anti-national elements in specified regions.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has sought views on "...need to put in place a regulatory framework for selective banning of OTT services under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 or any other law, in force?".

Source: TimesofIndia and HindustanTimes