The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed draft guidelines requiring telecom operators to take direct responsibility for AI systems used in their networks and services, including those sourced from third-party vendors.
The proposals mandate reporting critical and high-severity AI failures to TRAI, while requiring companies to establish internal AI policies, governance committees and risk-assessment procedures. Telecom operators would also need to ensure accountability and audit provisions in contracts with AI suppliers.
The draft guidelines apply to licensed telecom operators and companies authorised under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Stakeholders have been invited to submit comments by November 27.
The move comes as India prepares to develop a broader AI regulatory framework, with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology expected to release a consultation paper on AI regulation in November.
