WhatsApp: Same Service & Same Rules..!?

Sowmiya Sriram
WhatsApp: Same service & Same Rules..!?

The government plans to regulate messaging apps like google Meet, WhatsApp, and Signal. The decision appears to have been taken after telecom operators asked the government to apply the "same service, same rules" policy to the industry. The issue was raised as early as 2016-17 when the issue of net neutrality was discussed by telecom operators, the regulator, and the government. According to government sources, the telecom department has sought input from sector regulator TRAI to prepare a framework for regulating internet calling and messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and google Meet.
The Department of Telecom (DoT) last week sent the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (Trai) recommendation on Internet telephony for review in 2008. The government has asked Trai to come up with a policy with detailed preparation in the context of changes in the technological environment amid the emergence of new technologies. The department has now sought detailed guidelines from TRAI for internet telephony and over-the-top players," an official told PTI on condition of anonymity. Telecom operators have asked the government to apply the "same service, same rules" policy to the industry.
They have often asked that Internet calling and messaging applications pay the same license fee, and comply with restrictions on legal interception, quality of service, etc. as applicable to telecom operators and Internet service Providers (ISPs). In 2008, TRAI recommended that ISPs be allowed to provide Internet telephony, including calls over ordinary telephone networks, but that they pay interception fees as required by security agencies and install lawful interception equipment.
In 2016-17 too, the issue was raised by telecom operators when the issue of net neutrality was discussed by the regulator and the government. However, the government did not impose any ban on calling and messaging services offered through the apps. The regulator, however, reduced the tariff burden on telecom operators and eliminated interconnection charges to bring their call costs at par with call apps. IUC is a fee paid by a telecom operator to another operator when its customers make voice calls to subscribers of a competing network. However, calling and messaging apps do not have to pay such fees.
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