Technology, Communication & Related Regulatory Updates – January 2025

Govt Releases Draft Guidelines for E-Commerce Accountability

The Bureau of Indian Standards has released draft guidelines for e-commerce platforms, focusing on self-regulatory measures to ensure consumer protection. The guidelines cover areas like preventing counterfeit products, ensuring accurate product information, and safeguarding consumer data. BIS has invited public comments on the draft by February 15, 2025, as part of a consultation process to refine the framework.
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Draft Legal Metrology Rules, 2025 Mandate IST as Standard Time Reference Across Govt Offices, Sectors

The government has released the draft Legal Metrology Rules, 2025, proposing Indian Standard Time as the official reference across sectors. The rules emphasize cybersecurity and time synchronization through systems like Network Time Protocol and Precision Time Protocol. Stakeholders can submit comments until February 14, 2025, with penalties for non-compliance after the rules take effect 180 days post-notification.
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RBI Directs Regulated Entities to Use ‘1600xx’ Series for Transactional Calls

The RBI has issued directions to Regulated Entities (REs) to use the ‘1600xx’ numbering series for transactional calls and clean their customer databases using the Mobile Number Revocation List to prevent financial fraud. REs must also raise fraud awareness and comply by March 31, 2025.
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ECI Issues Advisory, Mandates Label Use for AI-Generated Content in Election Campaigns

The Election Commission of India has issued directions to political parties to label AI-generated or significantly altered content used in election campaigns. Content such as images, videos, or audio must be clearly marked as “AI-generated,” “digitally enhanced,” or “synthetic.” This move aims to ensure fair and transparent use of technology in campaigns, following instances of deepfake content being used by political parties.
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TRAI Proposes Tariff Cap for PDOs: Double the Rate of Retail Broadband to Boost Public Wi-Fi Access

TRAI has released the Draft Telecommunication Tariff (71st-Amendment) Order, 2025, proposing the rationalization of broadband tariffs for Public Data Offices under the PM-WANI scheme, capping them at twice the retail broadband tariff. This aims to boost the proliferation of PM-WANI hotspots and support the National Digital Communications Policy’s goal of 50 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2030.
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Non-Disclosure of Brand Partnerships by LinkedIn Influencers Could Lead to Legal Action: ASCI

The Advertising Standards Council of India has issued an advisory to LinkedIn influencers, urging them to disclose brand partnerships, such as free products or compensation, to avoid legal action and protect credibility. Influencers must clearly label sponsored content with terms like “Ad” and follow ASCI and Central Consumer Protection Authority guidelines for transparency in disclosures.
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IRDAI notifies Regulatory Sandbox Regulations, 2025 repealing the 2019 regulations

The IRDAI has notified the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Regulatory Sandbox) Regulations, 2025, replacing the 2019 regulations, with effect from January 3, 2025. The new regulations aim to promote innovation, improve efficiency, and ease the business environment in the insurance sector.
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Supreme Court Warns Users Against Fake Websites, Phishing Scams

The Supreme Court of India issued a public notice warning users about fake websites impersonating its official page and requesting personal information. The Court advised users to verify website authenticity, change passwords, and report fraud. The notice also highlighted concerns over the misuse of Google ads for promoting phishing scams.
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Delhi Police Can Now Order Social Media Platforms to Remove ‘Illegal’ Content: Could This Reduce Burden on Companies?

Delhi Police has been authorized to issue “takedown orders” under the IT Act for removing illegal content from social media. A Ministry of Home Affairs notification designates 23 senior Delhi Police officers as the nodal agency, easing the burden on companies to independently assess unlawful content.
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Delhi High Court Questions SEBI, RBI on Cryptocurrency Oversight Amid BitBNS User Complaints

The Delhi High Court has directed the Securities Exchange Board of India and the Reserve Bank of India to respond to a petition seeking a regulatory mechanism for cryptocurrency. The petition, filed by users of the cryptocurrency exchange BitBNS, highlights issues like financial fraud, cyberattacks, and fund mismanagement, and calls for the release of user funds and compensation.
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India’s Leap Towards an Era of Privacy: MeitY Releases Draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has released the Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, following the enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. These rules focus on consent management, data security, breach notifications, and the protection of children’s data.
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Tech industry thinks virtual tokens most practical solution for age verification: IT Minister

The IT Ministry has suggested that virtual tokens could be the most practical solution for age verification, as part of the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025. These tokens, created by the tech industry, would help verify parental consent for minors online. The approach aims to enhance data security and user privacy while addressing concerns about anonymity and surveillance.
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RBI Mandates Stricter Norms for Credit Information Sharing for Specified Users, But Not Third Party Entities

The RBI has introduced new regulations requiring Credit Information Companies to notify customers when their Credit Information Report is accessed by authorized entities. The rules also mandate that CICs ensure data is shared based on consent, store it for a maximum of six months, and provide clear reasons for rejecting data correction requests.
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SEBI to Reconsider Data Localisation as part of CSCRF Framework

The Securities and Exchange Board of India introduced the Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience Framework in August 2024, mandating data localisation for regulated entities. However, the regulatory body stated that there was a need for further consultation and has kept the regulations in abeyance till further notice. The regulations address data sovereignty and cybersecurity risks.
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RBI operationalises UPI payments through full KYC digital wallets

The Reserve Bank of India has enabled UPI payments through fully KYC-compliant prepaid-payment instruments like digital wallets. Users can now link their UPI handles to wallets (e.g., PhonePe, Mobikwik) and make payments across third-party UPI apps like Google Pay or Paytm. Previously, UPI payments could only be made through the wallet’s native app.
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SEBI cracks down on 'Finfluencers' with new rules on stock market education

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has issued a circular prohibiting unregistered stock-market influencers (finfluencers) from using live market data in their educational content. The circular mandates a three-month delay in pricing and restricts such influencers from offering real-time investment advice without SEBI registration.
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Foreign firms in India can now use stock swaps to acquire local companies: Report

The Reserve Bank of India updated the Master Direction on Foreign Investment, allowing foreign-owned companies to make downstream investments with deferred payments and equity swaps under the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, while introducing changes to investment reclassification, net-owned fund criteria, and rights issues.
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MIB introduces online LCO registration with 5 year validity

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has amended the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, by detailing the process for registering as a local cable operator in India. It mandates online applications for registration and renewal, with a processing fee and required documents, and outlines the responsibilities of the registering authority. The amendments come into effect on 17th January 2025.
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TRAI proposes new regulatory framework for ground-based broadcasters

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has issued recommendations on the regulatory framework for Ground-based Broadcasters, addressing the regulatory and operational aspects of these broadcasters, including communication technology options and conditions for providing their channels to Distribution Platform Operators.
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Aadhaar-based biometric verification mandatory for new SIM cards

Aadhaar-based biometric verification is now mandatory for activating new SIM cards, as per a directive from the Prime Minister’s Office to the Department of Telecommunications. This move aims to curb the issue of fake SIM cards, which are often linked to financial scams and cybercrime, with strict penalties for retailers issuing SIMs with fraudulent documents.
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ASCI Academy releases white paper on navigating cookies in the age of DPDPA

The Advertising Standards Council of India Academy has released a white paper on navigating cookies in light of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. The paper offers actionable insights for advertisers to craft cookie policies that ensure compliance with the DPDPA, while promoting transparency, user control, and privacy.
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Centre extends deadline for packaging amendments to Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules

The government has revised the timeline for amendments to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, setting enforcement dates on January 1st or July 1st, with a 180-day transition period. This aims to prioritize consumer welfare, ease business operations, and reduce compliance burdens.
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Supreme Court stays GST tax notices seeking ₹1.5 trillion from online gaming companies till final ruling

The Supreme Court has stayed GST tax notices demanding ₹1.5 trillion from online gaming companies until a final ruling on the legality of the 28% tax on online gaming entry fees and winnings, effective from October 2023. The stay sought by the revenue authorities and gaming companies prevents the expiration of notices to allow for further deliberation.
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Screenwriters Rights Association of India Gets Registered as a Copyright Society

The Screenwriters Rights Association of India (SRAI) has been officially registered as a Copyright Society under the Copyright Act, 1957. This registration allows SRAI to collectively manage rights, issue licenses, collect royalties, and enter into agreements with foreign societies.
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Analysing MEITY’s Report on Development of AI Governance Guidelines

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology published a report on AI governance guidelines for public consultation. The report advocates a whole-of-government approach to tackle AI risks, emphasizing principles like transparency, accountability, and fairness. It also highlights the need to address deepfakes and enhance cybersecurity to protect against AI-driven harms.
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Working on rules for regulating online ads: MIB tells parliamentary panel

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting informed the parliamentary panel on communications and information technology that it is working on regulations for online advertisements, including requiring self-declaration certificates for ads related to food and health products.
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DoT pushes telcos to roll out caller ID feature for mobile phones urgently

The Department of Telecommunications has urged telecom operators to implement the Calling Name Presentation service to curb spam and scam calls. This follows a February 2024 recommendation by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to mandate the CNAP feature and push handset manufacturers to enable it.
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DoT gets cabinet nod to refarm 1100 MHz spectrum across bands

The Union Cabinet has approved the Department of Telecommunications’ plan to refarm 1100 MHz spectrum across various bands, valued at approximately ₹5 lakh crore, for future auctions. This move aims to support telecom operators’ infrastructure needs for 5G and potential 6G services, with spectrum currently used by several government ministries being repurposed.
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DoT okays majority of Trai suggestions on service authorisation

The Department of Telecommunications has approved most of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s recommendations on service authorisation under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, but will seek clarifications on some points. The new system will replace the licensing regime and offer a unified authorisation for telecom services.
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'Make new voice-only plans cheaper': Trai asks telcos

The TRAI has urged telecom companies to reduce the prices of voice- and SMS-only plans to cater to cost-conscious 2G users, aiming to slow 4G migration. This directive, effective from January 23, 2025, focuses on offering more affordable options for users requiring minimal data services.
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E-commerce, gaming, social media platforms to delete personal user data after 3 years: Draft DPDP rules

The draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 20205, require e-commerce, online gaming, and social media platforms to erase personal user data three years after it is no longer needed. These platforms must notify users 48 hours before data erasure, allowing them to retain it.
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DGGI can now send takedown orders against online money gaming apps evading GST

The Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence (DGGI) can now issue takedown notices to block online money gaming apps evading Goods and Services Tax. A government notification designates the Additional/Joint Director of DGGI as the nodal officer for this, allowing direct action without the Information Technology ministry’s involvement.
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FSSAI gives clarity on methylcobalamin usage

The FSSAI has clarified that methylcobalamin, a form of Vitamin B12, can be used in health supplements and medical products under certain conditions. While its use is permitted, food business operators must notify FSSAI and submit additional safety data if required.
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FSSAI: Any change in labelling rules to be implemented from 1 July every year

The FSSAI has set 1^st July as the annual enforcement date for amendments under the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020. This helps food business operators comply more easily and ensures clearer food labelling for consumers.
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