EXPLAINER: How Trai’s spam-flag rule has changed

The telecom regulator is clamping down on spammers by reducing the complaint threshold for spam calls when a number is flagged by AI. This is alongside regulating automated calls, restricting call-blocking apps, and giving consumers a formal appeal. Ojasvi Gupta explains how the new rules will work

l What is the new three-complaint spam rule?

Until now, action against a sender of spam calls or text messages needed five or more unique complaints within 10 days. The amendment to the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations, 2018, (TCCCPR), adds a faster route,