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As per COAI, WhatsApp, Google Meet and Telegram should also follow the rules like telecom companies
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has said that internet calling and messaging apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, and Telegram will also have to follow the same rules as telecom companies. It is misleading to demand the exclusion of over-the-top (OTT) communication apps from the Telecom Act 2023 as they are subject to other rules as various non-regional rules also apply to telecom operators.
It said on Monday that the industry body believes the telecommunication operators expect internet calling and messaging apps—WhatsApp, Google Meet, Telegram, etc.—to adhere to the rules in a manner that every service provider does.
The Cellular Operators Association of India has termed it misleading to ask for the exclusion of OTT communication apps from the Telecom Act, 2023; rather, they are governed by other rules as various non-regional rules are there on the telecom operators, too. Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea are its members.
While stating the due position, COAI would like to state, according to COAI Director General SP Kochar, 'security of the country' is of paramount importance, and in this regard, all communication service providers, including those relating to OTT-based communication services, shall adhere to the requisite instructions of the country as is done by the telecom service providers. He said that the infrastructure for lawful interception and monitoring had already been set up at a huge cost by the TSPs themselves.
