TRAI Objects to Truecaller’s ‘Frequently Blocked’ Badge

TRAI has objected to Truecaller displaying “Frequently Blocked” tags on calls from the regulated 140 and 1600 number series, saying such labels could confuse consumers and create suspicion about legitimate communications. The 1600 series is reserved for service and transaction calls from regulated financial institutions and government bodies, while 140 is used for promotional calls by registered entities. TRAI said users should instead manage unwanted 140-series calls through its Do Not Disturb app. It added that over 80 per cent of unsolicited marketing calls originate from ordinary mobile and landline numbers outside the regulated series, which apps may freely flag as spam.