The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) offers a solution to combat spam calls and texts through its Do Not Disturb (DND) app. Despite its potential, users of the Android version have reported widespread issues, as reflected in numerous reviews on the Google Play store. During a recent event hosted by Truecaller, TRAI Secretary V Raghunandan acknowledged the challenges faced by users. He affirmed the regulator's commitment to resolving the technical glitches hampering the functionality of the DND app.
Reports from PTI suggest that TRAI has enlisted the assistance of an agency to address the existing problems. Significant progress has been made in resolving bugs on Android devices, with the regulator aiming to ensure compatibility with all Android devices by March of the upcoming year.
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In a noteworthy development from September of the previous year, Apple removed TRAI's DND app from its App Store. This decision followed a prolonged dispute over the app's request for permission to access call logs and messages. However, TRAI is actively collaborating with Apple to reintroduce compatibility with iOS devices.
Raghunandan emphasised the positive impact of the DND app since its launch in 2016, noting a reduction in spam calls and SMS. Truecaller CEO Alan Mamedi reported a substantial user base of approximately 270 million in India, with users collectively reporting around 5 million spam calls daily.
Currently available on the Google Play Store for Android users, TRAI's DND app requires users to log in with their phone number and a corresponding OTP. This process automatically enlists the user's number in the Do Not Disturb list, offering a preventive measure against unwanted spam calls and texts. In the event that users still encounter such communications, the app provides a reporting and complaint mechanism to be directed to their respective telecom operator.