On Friday, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) floated a consultation paper to explore a framework for internet-based calls and messaging apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram, and selectively ban their services in special situations.

The Trai has sought inputs on “…need to put in place a regulatory framework for selective banning of OTT services under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 or any other law, in force?”.

The consultation paper on “Regulatory Mechanism for Over-The-Top (OTT) Communication Services, and Selective Banning of OTT Services” follows a suggestion of a parliamentary panel to the Department of Telecom (DoT) to “explore the option of banning selective services such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. instead of banning the internet as a whole” in an emergency situation.

The panel has recommended the DoT to examine the recommendation of Trai and come out with a policy that will enable the selective banning of OTT services such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram during unrest and crisis as these apps are prone to be used by terrorists or anti-national elements in the specified regions.

In response to the panel’s suggestion, Trai has urged the DoT to review its recommendation and formulate a policy that would enable the selective banning of OTT services, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram, particularly during periods of unrest and crisis. The concern is rooted in the potential misuse of these apps by terrorists or anti-national elements in specific regions.

The regulator has set August 4 as the last date for comments on the paper and August 18 for counter comments.