TRAI-RBI Digital Consent Framework 2025

Why am I still getting these spammy calls even after opting out—twice?

If you’ve ever muttered this while hanging up on yet another “Congratulations! You’ve won a free vacation!” call, you’re not alone. Unwanted spam calls and texts have become digital background noise in our lives—and India’s regulators have decided enough is enough.

On June 16, 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), in coordination with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), rolled out a powerful TRAI Digital Consent Framework Pilot and issued Press Release No. 48/2025, signalling one of the boldest anti-spam crackdowns in Indian telecom history.

Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters to you (and everyone with a mobile phone), and what it means for telcos, fintech’s, and marketers.

How to Report Spam Calls to TRAI: From Nuisance to National Issue

TRAI’s spam calls complaint dashboard has been lighting up with a sharp rise in spam calls and messages—especially those sidestepping user consent.

Imagine: You’re working, and your phone buzzes. It’s not your boss. Not your bank. It’s a recorded message—sent without user consent for promotional messages—trying to sell you credit cards, insurance, or a ‘prize’ you never entered to win

That’s the chaos TRAI wants to clean up. And this time, they’re not just issuing another memo—they’re building a framework, setting enforcement mechanisms, and demanding change.

What Is the Digital Consent Framework?

Think of it as a regulatory handshake—between you (the user), telecom operators, and financial service providers—that says:

“No one talks to me unless I say it’s okay.”

The new TRAI-RBI pilot framework is designed to:

1. Standardize how user consent is collected and honoured
2. Enforce transparent opt-in/opt-out mechanisms
3. Introduce public reporting and audit checks
4. Penalize violators with real consequences

So, whether it’s a bank offering you a pre-approved loan or a shopping site pinging deal, they’ll need your green light first.

The New Rules of the Game: What TRAI Is Enforcing

Here’s what telecom operators and businesses now must do under the new guidelines:

1. Spam Filters That Actually Work
   Telcos have to deploy AI/ML-powered spam detection tools, not just keyword blockers. Think smart filters that learn patterns and block shady numbers in real time.
2. Opt-Out = Opt-Out
   Ever opted out and still got messages? Now, failure to honour opt-out requests means regulatory penalties Zero-tolerance.
3. Public Reporting & Transparency
   Operators are required to publish monthly reports detailing:
   • Number of promotional messages sent
   • Volume of spam blocked
   • Number of complaints received and resolved
   Basically, you’ll soon be able to see who’s being a good telecom citizen—and who’s not.
4. Real Audits, Real Consequences
   TRAI isn’t just setting rules—it’s auditing networks, inspecting systems, and issuing penalties or even temporary suspensions for repeat offenders.

How Operators Can (and Should) Step Up

Let’s be real: this isn’t just about avoiding fines. It’s about building systems that respect users and future-proof operations. Here’s what smart telcos are doing:

1. Setting up centralised “Spam Intelligence” hubs
   Using AI to detect unusual message behaviour—think spam from new SIMs or messages sent at odd hours.
2. Giving subscribers more control
   Imagine a dashboard where you can opt in or out of promotions, change your preferences in your language, and see exactly who has your consent.
3. Training the whole ecosystem
   From call centre staff to third-party marketers, everyone must understand and follow the rules. Some telcos are even appointing Spam Compliance Officers per business unit.
4. Automating compliance with DLT
   All promotional traffic must flow through TRAI-approved Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platforms—ensuring traceability, transparency, and tamper-proof records.

What About Privacy Laws?

This isn’t happening in a vacuum. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is also in play. So while TRAI cracks down on spam, operators must also:

1. Store consent logs securely
2. Ensure data isn’t shared without permission
3. Comply with cross-sector privacy norms

Think of it as a double mandate: stop spam and protect data.

Final Take: Spam Is Out, Consent Is In

TRAI and RBI are sending a clear message: “Consent is king.”

This isn’t just a regulatory refresh—it’s a reset. A new era where:

1. You decide who can contact you
2. Companies must prove they have your consent
3. Operators are judged not just by speed or cost—but trust

If you’re a telecom provider, marketer, or fintech firm: the time to adapt is now. Early movers will earn not only compliance points—but consumer loyalty, brand trust, and a seat at the table in India’s evolving digital governance.

One Last Thought…

Digital Consent Framework might seem like just another line item on a compliance checklist. But it’s really a shift in power—from companies to consumers.

And that’s a good thing. Because at the end of the day, a phone should connect us—not clutter us.

So, here’s to a future where spam becomes the exception, not the norm.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The content of this article is not intended to create and receipt of it does not constitute any relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel.