Telecommunications Act, 2023
This page covers the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Sections 1, 2, 10 to 30, 42 to 44, 46, 47, 50 to 58, 61 and 62 commenced on 26 June 2024 (Notification No. 2408(E), per India Code's footnote; Editor-confirmed). We could not open India Code's copy ourselves on 5 Oct 2026.
If you provide communication services in India, this Act covers you. The Telecommunications Act, 2023 covers, among other things:
- Telecommunication services, as the Act defines them. We do not say whether OTT apps fall inside, because we have not quoted the definition.
- Spectrum allocation.
- Unsolicited commercial communication (spam) protection for users.
- Government emergency powers over telecom networks in specified circumstances.
The Act is in force, but it has a phased rollout: different sections start on different dates. Check the notified start dates before you assume a specific rule applies to you.
In plain English: do you offer calls or messaging in India? Are apps like WhatsApp covered? That depends on how the Act defines telecom services. It is not settled. Track this law alongside the IT Act and Intermediary Rules.
Consolidated text on India Code. Amendment currency not individually checked.
Am I a Data Fiduciary?
Do you also handle user data? Check if DPDP duties apply to you too.
Run it now