iWorld
TSPs accountable for discriminatory MNP specific tariff offers: TRAI
Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has received complaints lodged by telecom service providers (TSPs) that rival TSPs are offering discriminatory tariff benefits to customers who want to switch telcos via mobile number portability (MNP).
As per the Telecommunication Tariff Order (TTO), 1999, clause 10 on non-discrimination: No service provider shall, in any manner, discriminate between subscribers of the same class and such classification of the subscribers shall not be arbitrary.
Provided that every classification between subscribers shall be based on intelligible eligibility criteria where such criteria shall have a rational nexus to the purpose of the said classification, it added.
In 2011 letter, TRAI had clarified that: “The offering of differential tariffs to the subscribers porting from the network of other service provider is not valid and reasonable classification as the motive behind such classification is apparently to induce churn from the competitors’ network and which is discriminatory and contravenes the provisions of clause 10 of TTO, 1999.”
“While TSPs have generally denied allegations of discriminatory MNP-specific tariff offers, in some cases, they have stated that their channel partners may have given some MNP specific benefits to the customers on their own without the consent and authorization of TSP”.
Channel partners such as distributors, retailers and third-party apps are non-licensed entities that are appointed by TSPs for the purpose of offering telecom services. However, it remains the responsibility of the TSPs to adhere to regulatory provisions and guidelines with respect to tariff offerings.
Considering all aspects and with the objective to ensure transparency, uniformity, and protection to its subscribers, TRAI has directed telecom services to ensure:
1. Only the tariffs reported to TRAI are offered through their channel partners, distributors, third-party apps etc.
2. All tariff orders comply with extant TRAI regulations/directions/orders issued in this regard as, where the TSPs name/brand is used for marketing/offering/selling products and services, the responsibility of ensuring compliance of TRAI’s regulatory guidelines/provisions shall remain with TSP.
At the end of June, TRAI reported that telcos Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel had added 5.4 million and 3.8 million mobile subscribers whereas Vodafone Idea has lost 4.2 million mobile subscribers.
iWorld
Meta warns 200 users after fake Whatsapp spyware attack
Italy-targeted campaign used unofficial app to deploy surveillance spyware.
MUMBAI: It looked like a message, but it behaved like a mole. Meta has warned around 200 users most of them in Italy after uncovering a targeted spyware campaign that weaponised a fake version of WhatsApp to infiltrate devices. The attack, first reported by Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata, relied on classic social engineering with a modern twist: persuading users to download an unofficial WhatsApp clone embedded with surveillance software. The malicious application, believed to be developed by Italian firm SIO through its subsidiary ASIGINT, was designed to mimic the real app closely enough to bypass suspicion.
Meta’s security teams identified roughly 200 individuals who may have installed the compromised version, triggering immediate countermeasures. Affected users were logged out of their accounts and issued alerts warning of potential privacy breaches, with the company describing the incident as a “targeted social engineering attempt” aimed at gaining device-level access.
The malicious app was not distributed via official app stores but circulated through third-party channels, where it was presented as a legitimate WhatsApp alternative. Once installed, it reportedly allowed external operators to access sensitive data stored on the device turning a simple download into a potential surveillance gateway.
According to Techcrunch, Meta is now preparing legal action against the spyware developers to curb further misuse. The company, however, has not disclosed details about the specific individuals targeted or the extent of data compromised.
A Whatsapp spokesperson reiterated that user safety remains the top priority, particularly for those misled into installing the fake iOS application. Meanwhile, reports from La Repubblica suggest the spyware may be linked to “Spyrtacus”, a strain previously associated with Android-based attacks that could intercept calls, activate microphones and even access cameras.
The episode underscores a growing reality in the digital age, the threat is no longer just what you download, but where you download it from. As unofficial apps become increasingly convincing, the line between communication tool and covert surveillance is getting harder to spot and far easier to exploit.
