The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Friday released a Consultation Paper on Regulatory Mechanism for Over-The-Top (OTT) Communication Services, and Selective Banning of OTT Services.
It said that the Department of Telecommunications (DOT), through a letter dated September 7 last year, had requested the TRAI to reconsider its recommendations on Regulatory Framework for Over-The-Top (OTT) Communication Services dated September 14, 2020 and suggest a suitable regulatory mechanism for OTTs, including issues relating to "selective banning of OTT services" as part of its recommendations.
The TRAI said that through the letter, the DoT has also mentioned that "in view of the humongous growth of OTT services in the recent past and these services having reached a matured stage, there is a need to holistically look into the various aspects of these services including regulatory, economic, security, privacy, and safety aspects".
"This is also in keeping with para 2.2 of the National Digital Communications Policy - 2018 which mentions the policy goal for 'Ensuring a holistic and harmonised approach for harnessing Emerging Technologies'. It has been mentioned therein that a policy framework for 'Over the Top' services will be developed," it said.
It also said that in response to the DoT letter of September last year, the TRAI, through its letter on November 1 last year, conveyed to the DoT that "the Authority is of the view that a fresh consultation process may be initiated to frame suitable regulatory framework for OTT".
"In this regard, a Consultation Paper on Regulatory Mechanism for Over- The-Top (OTT) Communication Services, and Selective Banning of OTT Services, seeking inputs from stakeholders, has been placed on the TRAI's website. Written comments on the issues raised in the Consultation Paper are invited from stakeholders by August 4 and counter comments by August 18," it said.
They damage the nation abroad: EAM Jaishankar slams Rahul’s ‘falsehood’ on ‘Trump invite’ claims
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday hit back at the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi over his claims that the former went to the United States of America to get an invitation for Donald Trump’s inauguration, stating that such falsified statements only go on to harm the ‘interests and reputation’ of the country abroad.
Positive impact of regular contacts evident in India-Russia strategic partnership: President Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday asserted that the "positive impact" of regular contacts is evident in the broader 'India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' which continues to benefit significantly from the ongoing interaction at various levels.
Over to voters: High-decibel campaign for Delhi election ends
Campaigning for the most hotly contested Assembly election in Delhi ever ended at 5 p.m. on Monday, drawing curtains on months-long, high-decibel electioneering replete with AI-generated memes, acerbic jibes and venomous barbs and a race to woo voters with freebies, including monthly doles to women and the youth.
Rahul Gandhi’s rare praise for ‘Make In India’ project in LS, followed by jibe
Congress MP and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Monday made a rare praise for the ‘Make In India’ program, even commending the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing in the ‘good idea’ but then went to disapprove it by calling it ‘damp squib’.
Govt likely to introduce new income tax bill on Feb 6
After the revision in tax slabs in the Union Budget 2025-26 to leave 'enough money in the hands' of taxpayers, the government is likely to unveil the much-anticipated draft of the new Income Tax Bill on February 6.
10 TN fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan Navy; mechanised boat seized
Ten fishermen from Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy in the early hours of Monday for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
Maha Kumbh: Spiritual leaders, devotees celebrate Basant Panchami with Amrit Snan
On the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj for the much-awaited Amrit Snan (holy bath), marking a significant spiritual milestone.
Delhi Assembly polls: Campaigning to end today; parties make final push
The high-voltage campaigning for the Delhi Assembly elections will come to an end at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, with all three major political parties, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, making their final efforts to woo voters.