TRAI has clarified that apps cannot block calls from the 1600 number series. The regulator said this series is reserved for communications from regulated entities and government bodies to citizens, and the purpose is to keep such calls trustworthy.
TRAI also said that promotional calls from the 140 series cannot be labelled or filtered by apps. Such calls can be blocked only through the Do Not Disturb (DND) registry managed by the regulator.
The clarification comes amid a dispute with caller-identification app Truecaller over tagging and identification of these numbers. The regulatory position strengthens the role of telecom rules over app-based call filtering.
Why this matters
The issue sits at the intersection of telecom numbering policy, consumer protection, and digital platform regulation. It also has direct relevance for how citizens receive official communications from regulated institutions and government agencies without confusion or over-blocking.
Key facts for Prelims
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