The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has called for over-the-top (OTT) communication services such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal to be brought under a formal regulatory framework, citing national security concerns and a widening oversight gap.
In a statement titled “Strengthening India’s Digital Frontiers”, COAI Director General S.P. Kochhar argued that OTT platforms, which offer voice and messaging functions similar to telecom networks, continue to operate with minimal regulatory obligations. “The weakest link in the current communications security chain lies in OTT communication services, which largely escape regulatory oversight,” Kochhar said.
Imperative for law…
The industry body, which represents major telecom operators including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, said it is imperative for law enforcement agencies to have timely access to communication data in order to maintain national security. Kochhar pointed to a recent case where the interception of satellite phone signals reportedly aided in tracking down three terrorists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, to underscore the importance of robust surveillance mechanisms.
While traditional telecom players are bound by the Indian Telecommunications Act and corresponding Department of Telecommunications (DoT) guidelines including requirements for domestic traffic retention, local network infrastructure, and lawful interception capabilities, no such mandates currently apply to OTT communication providers.
Dedicated OTT authorisation
COAI has proposed the introduction of a dedicated OTT authorisation under the Unified License framework. “Such a step would ensure consistency across platforms, promote fairness, and enhance security, while balancing innovation with national interests,” Kochhar said.
The association stressed that the existing regulatory gap poses significant challenges for law enforcement and crime prevention, and called for alignment between OTT platforms and the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
(With inputs from PTI)