The telecom regulator has opened up all over again the thorny issue of regulating internet-based calls and messaging apps — this time seeking suggestions on ways to entwine them with regulations during emergencies.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Friday floated a consultation paper to explore a framework for internet-based calls and messaging apps such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, Apple’s FaceTime etc. and selectively ban their services in special situations.

The consultation paper on “Regulatory Mechanism for Over-The-Top (OTT) Communication Services, and Selective Banning of OTT Services” follows a suggestion of a parliamentary panel to the Department of Telecom (DoT) to “explore the option of banning selective services such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram etc. instead of banning the internet as a whole” in an emergency.

The panel has recommended the DoT examine the recommendation of Trai and come out with a policy which will enable the selective banning of OTT services such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram during unrest and crisis as these apps are prone to be used by terrorists or anti-national elements in specified regions.

Turn back the clock

Almost five years ago, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India issued a consultation paper in November 2018 titled, “Regulatory Framework for OTT Communication Services”.

The present

Trai on Friday sought views on “...need to put in place a regulatory framework for selective banning of OTT services under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 or any other law, in force?”.

The regulator has sought views on the requirement of a framework for OTTs encompassing lawful interception, privacy and security, customer verification, pesky calls and messages, technical challenges in banning specific services etc.