Consumer Affairs Ministry releases draft guidelines to curb pesky promotional calls, messages

The Department of Consumer Affairs on Thursday released draft guidelines to protect consumers from unsolicited and unwanted business communication which includes pesky promotional calls and service messages for public consultation.

The guidelines have been prepared after consultations with stakeholders, including TRAI, consumer bodies and industry players and telecom firms. It defines “business communication” as any communication related to goods or services like promotional and service messages. Once finalised, these guidelines will apply to all individuals and entities that make or engage others for such communications or benefit from them, the Ministry said in a statement.