OTT APPS BANNED

Government bans 18 OTT platforms for obscene content

18 OTT apps blocked for vulgar content: Here is the complete list of apps and websites blocked today

The Union government banned 18 OTT platforms, 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 associated social media accounts for disseminating obscene and vulgar content. Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, stressed the responsibility of platforms to avoid promoting obscenity. The decision, made under the Information Technology Act, 2000, involved consultation with relevant government departments and domain experts.

Govt bans Mahadev, 21 illegal betting apps; cyberattacks against India spike

Controversial betting app Mahadev is among 22 illegal betting apps that the government ordered to be blocked on Sunday, following an investigation and raids by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.

Demands for fair share charge on OTT companies smack of rent-seeking: IAMAI

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) on Thursday once again countered the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) proposal on selective banning of OTT or internet services, saying such demands for imposing revenue sharing mechanisms between Internet companies and telecom services providers (TSPs) "smack of rent-seeking".

Disproportionate regulations will hit OTT growth, warns industry

In its submission to Trai, Nasscom says move may hamper consumers’ right to choose as well as raise cost of service, create entry barriers and scuttle innovation in the OTT market.

Trai paper: Telcos and OTT players at loggerheads again on regulation

Tech companies, though, have rejected telcos’ claims of OTT players free riding over telecoms network infrastructure, saying OTT service providers, on the contrary, have contributed to growth of telco revenues. They have also warned any move to impose onerous regulatory compliances -- meant for telcos -- would discourage OTTs from investing in innovation and new tech, and compel them to charge consumers for services that are now free.

IAMAI, CUTS write to TRAI over concerns on OTT regulation consultation paper

TRAI had kicked off its much-anticipated consultation process on the question of regulating over-the-top (OTT) apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal which pits the app makers and the startup community against telcos on July 7.

IAMAI and CUTS write to TRAI highlighting concerns on OTT regulation consultation paper

Two industry bodies, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Consumer Unity & Trust Society (CUTS), have expressed concerns to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) about the potential regulation of over-the-top (OTT) communication services. Both bodies argue that implementing revenue-sharing mechanisms between OTT apps and telecom service providers would violate net neutrality and increase costs for consumers.

Trai extends date for comments on OTT paper

Regulating OTT apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal etc, is a much-anticipated consultation process, pitting the app makers and the startup community against telcos. The regulator will also deliberate selective banning of OTT services during instances of civil unrest that has a broad impact.

Trai supports selective WhatsApp, Telegram ban to end internet blackouts

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) may consider selectively banning popular OTT platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram in case of an emergency. The move is to ensure the continuity of essential internet-driven services such as online education, e-healthcare, and financial transactions.

Trai’s proposal to regulate OTT concerning, may threaten privacy, end encryption: Experts

OTT services are currently regulated under the IT Act, which will soon be replaced by the proposed Digital India Bill.

Telcos say Trai paper on OTTs 'progressive', backs their concerns

Telecom carriers have called the sector regulator’s latest discussion paper on regulating over-the-top (OTT) players such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal and on selective banning of apps during instances of civil unrest a progressive step and a backing of their concerns.

Telcos revenue share from voice calls dip 80 pc, SMS 94 pc with OTT growth in 10 yrs

Telecom operators' revenue share from voice calls has declined by about 80 per cent and by 94 per cent from SMS in the last 10 years as the usage of internet-based calling and messaging apps grew, according to a Trai paper. However, revenue share per user from data usage grew over 10 times between June 2013 quarter to December 2022 quarter, according to the paper.

To regulate OTT apps or not? Trai begins consultation process

India's Telecom Regulatory Authority has begun a consultation to determine whether over-the-top (OTT) apps such as WhatsApp and Signal should be regulated. The issue has long pitted telecoms companies against app makers as the service doesn't require a security or financial investment. In the latest consultation, Trai has listed 14 points including defining OTTs, asking if they need to be regulated, and what fines or regulations should be in place if warranted.

Trai releases paper on whether to regulate OTTs

Trai has released the consultation paper on regulatory mechanism for OTT communication services and selective banning of OTT services after Department of Telecommunications (DoT) asked the regulator to reconsider its 2020 recommendations, wherein it was proposed that OTT services need not be regulated.

Trai to start consultation on OTT communication apps' regulation

The consultation paper will also look into the definition of OTT, class of OTTs, demands of a level playing field with telcos, and existing international practices, among others, they said.

Exclusive: Betting, gaming apps Betway, Lotus365, Fun88 continue operations, ads despite blanket ban

Platforms that advertise banned apps could suffer severe penalties under the IT Rules including “loss of intermediary status and potential blocking of websites, criminal prosecution under state gaming laws and action under the Consumer Protection Act,” an expert said.

Scammers target WhatsApp users with phishing attempts

The problem is that while telcos and the regulator have been working to create artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions to check spam calls and messages over the regular terrestrial network, scammers have moved to over-the-top (OTT) communication platforms such as, but not limited to, WhatsApp.

‘Red alerts’ likely on unhealthy food on ecommerce sites; Indian govt, RBI to discuss lending app ban

Last week, we reported that to help consumers make informed choices, India’s food safety regulator, FSSAI, is in talks with companies to include a “cautionary warning” on the amount of added salt, sugar and fat in the front labelling of packaged foods, alongside the proposed star rating system. Now, the FSSAI may also ask ecommerce and quick service platforms to put a label or a health rating on the food packet sold on their platforms.

India bans Pakistan-based OTT platform Vidly TV

Government's action against Pakistan-based Vidly TV follows the web series "Sevak: The Confessions" which was "determined to be detrimental to national security, sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, and public order in the country."

TRAI to decide if broadcast & communication OTTs to be addressed separately

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is considering whether there was a need to address broadcasting and communication over-the-top (OTTs) players separately or together as it prepares to start a consultation process in January to frame a regulatory mechanism.

Trai weighs need for separate regulations for broadcast and communication OTTs

A Trai official said if it was decided that broadcasting OTTs need to be addressed separately, a consultation paper on the issue will be out in January, which will only discuss apps like Amazon and Netflix. After that, the Trai will investigate communication OTTs like Whatsapp, Facetime and Signal to suggest a regulatory mechanism.

Ministries differ over regulating OTT platforms

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has said that OTT apps should be brought under the licensing regime, primarily universal licence, as they offer same set of services.