OTT APPS BANNED
Trai to shortly release views on regulating communication apps
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is set to provide recommendations on the possible regulation of over-the-top (OTT) communication apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. The consultation process initiated in July last year continues, with stakeholders having provided their comments.
Explained: Why WhatsApp is willing to leave India over encryption
After the messaging platform said that forcing it to break message encryption may lead to its exit from India, the Delhi HC has said the right to privacy can’t be absolute. Here’s a look at why the company is arguing that its end-to-end encryption cannot be compromised
ETtech Explainer: The govt’s ban on OTT platforms
The government banned 18 over-the-top apps for housing obscene, vulgar and, in some cases, pornographic content. The move comes after rising concerns regarding the accessibility of explicit material on digital platforms. ETtech explains what this means.
Centre bans 18 OTT apps for obscene content
The ministry has also disabled 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms for public access in India.
Paytm gets nod to become third-party UPI app; Govt cracks down on OTT platforms
Paytm parent One 97 Communications Ltd has secured approval from the National Payments Corporation of India to become a third party UPI app. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
OTT apps ban: I&B Ministry blocks 18 OTT platforms for publishing vulgar content
OTT apps ban: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has taken action against 18 OTT platforms for publishing inappropriate and explicit content. As a result, 19 websites, 10 apps (7 on Google Play Store, 3 on Apple App Store), and 57 social media accounts associated with these platforms have been disabled in India.
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.
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 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.
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.
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."
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