The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has issued a notice to Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, urging immediate action to tackle the growing number of scams originating on the messaging platform. This move comes after the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) requested intervention to curb fraudulent activities on over-the-top (OTT) platforms like WhatsApp.
Growing Concern Over Scams
According to S. Krishnan, MeitY Secretary, the government is actively addressing these issues in collaboration with Meta. “Scammers are constantly evolving their methods, which is a significant cause for concern,” Krishnan told the Economic Times. He also emphasized that users must remain vigilant and utilize grievance redressal mechanisms provided by the platform.
- WhatsApp, under IT rules, is required to maintain a grievance officer.
- Users can raise complaints directly within the app or escalate unresolved issues to a grievance appellate committee.
TRAI’s Call for Stronger Action
Recently, TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti urged MeitY to investigate and prevent scam calls and messages on WhatsApp. Lahoti pointed out that while TRAI oversees voice calls and SMS, OTT platforms like WhatsApp fall under MeitY’s jurisdiction. He stated, “We have requested the ministry to take appropriate action as TRAI continues to monitor voice and SMS frauds.”
Challenges with Regulating OTT Platforms
OTT apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are not governed by TRAI or the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) but fall under MeitY’s regulatory framework. This lack of direct telecom regulation creates a jurisdictional gap, complicating efforts to curb scams.
- WhatsApp’s Cooperation: WhatsApp has shown some cooperation with the DoT by blocking numbers flagged for scams.
- Gaps in Regulation: Platforms like Telegram and Signal have yet to implement visible measures to tackle scams effectively.
Major telecom providers, including Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone-Idea, have expressed concerns over the surge in spam and phishing activities on OTT platforms. Unlike telecom operators, which are licensed to block numbers, OTT platforms are not bound by similar regulatory requirements, leaving gaps in enforcement.
International Numbers a Challenge
Fraudulent messages and calls from international numbers continue to bypass local regulatory controls, further complicating efforts to combat scams.
How Fraudsters Operate on OTT Apps
Scammers on platforms like WhatsApp employ sophisticated techniques, including:
- Screen Sharing and Remote Access: Fraudsters gain control of smartphones to steal personal data.
- OTP Fraud: Victims are tricked into sharing one-time passwords, allowing fraudsters to siphon money from bank accounts.
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