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Broadcasters address DRM, CAS hacking, fingerprinting concerns in TRAI’s draft addressable system regulations
MUMBAI: Broadcasters have shared their suggestions on TRAI’s draft “The Telecommunication (Broadcasting And Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019. The industry welcomed TRAI’s decision to regulate Digital Rights Management Systems (DRM) and include it in Schedule III of the regulations. However, it has also suggested that the authority should add anti-piracy safety prerequisites and other technical features in DRM technology before providing signals to any distribution platform.
Star India recommended TRAI that the distributor of television channels should ensure that the current version of the DRM in use, do not have any history of hacking. In the event that hacking of the DRM system is detected, such as, but not limited to cloning of STBs and/or VCs, the DRM vendor to be served a show cause notice as to why it should not be blacklisted with immediate effect. In the event of continued default beyond 7 days, the DPO shall be liable to pay 150 per cent of the preceding month’s billed amount.
It further said, “The DPO should maintain DRM and SMS downtime records along with MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) and MTTR (Mean Time To Restore) validated by CAS and SMS vendors.”
Even Discovery suggested 21 prerequisites to be included in the amended regulations. It also said, “TRAI had undertaken a consultation process to prepare the audit manual wherein Discovery had submitted its comments / suggestion to the same. Some of the concerns raised by Discovery related to the efficient and seamless utilisation of an addressable system, and essential for an effective audit process. However, these have neither been discussed nor considered by TRAI. It would have been desirable in the interest of transparency, for TRAI to deal with these concerns of Discovery while bringing out the Draft Amendment.”
The draft stated that the distributor of television channels should ensure that the current version of the CAS, in use, does not have any history of hacking. In addition to it, Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) has suggested, “In the event hacking of the CAS system is detected, then the same should be intimated by CAS vendor to DPO and TRAI, and in-turn by DPO to all relevant broadcasters for impact assessment as well as remedial action with a copy to TRAI. Instance of hacking shall include but not limited to cloning of STBs and/or VCs.”
TRAI also stated in its draft that the distributor of television channels shall ensure that it has systems, processes and controls in place to run finger printing at regular intervals. Sharing its suggestion on fingerprinting, Discovery said, “We strongly feel that covert fingerprint is a vital tool to detect piracy on the ground. In absence of this tool, if by any chance finger printing is disabled or blocked by the entity involved in piracy, covert finger printing technology will be useful to detect the card number used by such entity for carrying on piracy, so that broadcasters can switch off the signals immediately. This is especially helpful during sports events or any live feed as during such events the level of piracy increases. Therefore, we strongly recommend enforcement of covert technologies.”
Further it also recommended that TRAI should come up with a deadline for DPOs to replace their existing technologies/ STBs with covert fingerprinting technology. To curb piracy, the company recommended inclusion of a provision wherein it shall be mandatory for all the DPOs to upgrade the existing STBs with STBs supporting covert fingerprinting within a certain timeline as prescribed by TRAI.
Sony Pictures Network also suggested, “The watermarking network logo for all pay channels shall be inserted at encoder end only. Provided that only the encoders deployed after coming into effect of these regulations shall support watermarking network logo for all pay channels at the encoder end. Further, provided that all the encoders deployed shall support watermarking network logo for all pay channels at the encoder end by sunset date of 1 July 2020.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
