Ever got a call from an unknown number only to hear a promotional offer or, worse, a scam? You’re not alone. Spam calls are a growing problem in India. Do you know, RBI reported that the frauds worth Rs.1,457 crore occurred in FY24?
Hence, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is taking serious steps to combat this nuisance. Recently it held a meeting in the Sanchar Bhawan.
Guess what? Truecaller, a Swedish private company has already advanced itself to deal with spam calls.
The fact that a private company is getting ahead of a government organization in terms of technology advancements became a cause of worry for the latter.
Hence, the battle of TRAI vs Truecaller emerged.
So, who is the winner? Go through this article and you’ll find out!
(A) How is TRAI aiming to solve the spam call problem?
First of all, let’s break down the innovative measures TRAI is implementing to protect you from these unwanted interruptions.
(A.1) Introducing Caller Name Presentation (CNAP)
Imagine this- your phone rings, and instead of just a number, you see the caller’s name. Sounds helpful, right? This is precisely what TRAI aims to achieve with the Caller Name Presentation (CNAP). By displaying the caller’s name based on SIM registration details, CNAP will enhance caller identification accuracy.
Unlike apps like Truecaller, which rely on crowd-sourced data, CNAP ensures that the name you see is officially registered. This means fewer surprises and more certainty about who’s calling you.
(A.2) Employing AI-based Spam Filters
Guess what? From May 1, 2023, all telecom operators in India have been required to use AI-based spam filters. These sophisticated filters can detect and block fraudulent and promotional messages before they reach your phone. By analyzing patterns and behaviors, AI can distinguish between a legitimate call and a spam one, making your life a bit more peaceful.
(A.3) Halting Promotional Calls to 10-Digit Numbers
You know those pesky promotional calls that seem to always catch you at the worst times? TRAI has had enough of them too. They have instructed telecom companies to stop transmitting promotional calls to standard 10-digit mobile numbers. This move is a significant blow to spammers who often use these numbers to flood your phone with unwanted calls.
(A.4) Integrating Call ID Function
Recognizing a caller can sometimes be crucial. That’s why TRAI is encouraging telecom operators to implement a Call ID function. This feature will display not just the caller’s name but also their image on your phone screen. Imagine knowing exactly who’s calling, even if you don’t have their number saved. This makes it easier to decide whether to pick up the call or ignore it.
(A.5) Allocating the 160 Series Exclusively for Transactional and Service Calls
Ever been unsure if a call from your bank or insurance company is genuine? TRAI has a solution. They’ve allocated the 160 series exclusively for transactional and service voice calls from entities regulated by RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA. So, if you see a number starting with 160, you can be more confident it’s legitimate. This step helps in distinguishing important calls from potential frauds.
(A.6) Transitioning the 140 Series to a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Platform
Promotional calls often come from numbers starting with 140. To tackle this, TRAI is moving the operation of the 140 series to a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform. This technology will ensure that only authorized promotional calls are made, significantly reducing spam. Additionally, by operationalizing the scrubbing of digital consent mechanisms, TRAI aims to cut down spam calls originating from standard 10-digit numbers.
(A.7) Optimizing the Digital Consent Facility (DCA)
TRAI isn’t stopping there. They are also optimizing the Digital Consent Facility (DCA). By working closely with telecom operators, banks, and insurance companies, TRAI aims to ensure that consumer preferences are respected. This means you get to control who can contact you, and your consent is always a priority.
In short, TRAI’s efforts are all about giving you more control and peace of mind when it comes to your phone. So, the next time your phone rings, you can be more certain that it’s a call worth taking.
Note: When it comes to calls, the telecom companies have shaken up the recharge prices. To know more, check out the article “5 Reasons behind the sudden price hike by Jio, Airtel, and VI.”
(B) Battling Spam Calls: How Truecaller is Leading the Charge?
If you’ve ever been bothered by spam calls, Truecaller is probably already on your radar. This app is a lifesaver for many, working tirelessly to combat the spam call menace. Thanks to its advanced features that it has over 273 million active monthly users in India.
It uses the following methods to protect you from spam calls-
(B.1) Spam Call Identification and Blocking
Truecaller’s secret weapon is its powerful combination of machine learning algorithms. These algorithms identify and block spam calls in real-time. You might wonder how they stay updated. Well, Truecaller constantly updates its spam database by leveraging user reports and feedback. This means the app learns from millions of users, improving its accuracy every day to keep those annoying calls at bay.
(B.2) Verified Tags
Ever hesitated to pick up a call because you didn’t recognize the number? Truecaller’s verified tags are here to help. Businesses like lenders, e-commerce companies, and telecom providers can partner with Truecaller to get a “verified” tag. This tag helps you identify legitimate organizations, increasing the chances you’ll answer their calls. In fact, industry experts say this feature boosts call-pick rates by nearly 30%!
So, the next time you see a verified tag, you can be more confident about picking up.
(B.3) Advanced Spam Blocking with Truecaller Max
For those who want an extra layer of protection, Truecaller offers the “Max” feature, available for Premium subscribers on Android. This feature uses multiple AI algorithms to detect and block spam calls with even greater precision. It’s like having a personal bodyguard for your phone, ensuring that spam calls have a hard time slipping through.
(B.4) Fraud Detection for SMS
Spam calls aren’t the only problem—fraudulent SMS messages are a menace too. Truecaller’s fraud detection feature analyzes SMS messages and alerts you with red notifications if a message seems suspicious. It also automatically disables links in these messages, preventing you from accidentally clicking on something harmful. This means you can browse your messages with peace of mind, knowing Truecaller has your back.
(B.5) User-Customizable Block Lists
Truecaller understands that everyone has unique needs. That’s why it allows you to create your own block lists. You can add specific phone numbers, message senders, country codes, or even entire number series to your block list. This customization gives you control over who can reach you, making your phone experience more tailored and secure.
(B.6) Crowdsourced Spam Database
One of Truecaller’s biggest strengths is its vast user base. Millions of users around the world report spam calls, and Truecaller aggregates this data to improve its spam detection capabilities. This crowdsourced approach means the app gets smarter and more efficient over time, protecting you better with each user report.
(B.7) Increased Awareness
Truecaller isn’t just about blocking spam—it’s also about educating users. The app provides detailed spam insights and statistics, helping you understand the scale of the problem. By being aware of how widespread spam calls are and the importance of reporting them, you become part of the solution. Truecaller empowers you with knowledge, making you a more informed and proactive user.
In short, Truecaller is not just an app—it’s a community-driven solution designed to make your communication safer and more reliable. So, the next time your phone rings or you receive a suspicious message, remember that Truecaller is working tirelessly to keep the spam at bay.
(C) TRAI vs Truecaller: Who is the winner?
Choosing a winner between TRAI and Truecaller depends on what you need. TRAI enforces strict regulations to curb spam calls, giving you peace of mind with official caller IDs and robust measures.
On the flip side, Truecaller offers a tech-savvy, user-friendly app that blocks spam in real time, provides verified tags for businesses, and lets you customize your block lists. If you love having control at your fingertips, Truecaller might just be your pick.
So, who do you think wins in this battle against spam calls? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
