Regulators
TRAI releases draft audit manual for DRM-based digital addressable systems
The regulator proposes clause-wise audit procedures, set timelines and standard formats for IPTV and other DRM-based distribution, with comments invited by 30th October 2026
NEW DELHI: IPTV is getting its own audit rulebook. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued the Draft Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Digital Rights Management (DRM) based Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual, 2026, and is seeking comments from stakeholders. The draft was released in New Delhi on 9th October 2026.
The background is straightforward. The Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017, referred to as the Interconnection Regulations, mandate an annual audit of the digital addressable systems (DAS) of television channel distributors, including conditional access systems (CAS), subscriber management systems (SMS), DRM and other related systems. Schedule X of the regulations sets out requirements for DRM-based systems, primarily for IPTV-based distribution services.
The new draft fills a gap. The Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual, 2026, issued on 10th March 2026, already provides detailed clause-wise audit procedures for systems covered under Schedule III, including CAS, SMS and set-top box (STB) based systems. Various stakeholders, including IPTV operators, broadcasters and auditors, highlighted the need for a similar manual for DRM-based systems under Schedule X.
TRAI has responded by preparing the draft DRM audit manual to provide detailed procedures for auditing compliance of DRM systems with Schedule X. It is proposed as a guidance document for stakeholders during the conduct of audits.
The salient features of the draft include:
- A dedicated clause-wise procedure to verify compliance with Schedule X, covering DRM requirements for SMS, conditional access and encryption, fingerprinting, and STB and software applications.
- Scope of work, documentary requirements and audit procedures for the pre-signal or compliance audit and the annual subscription audit.
- Prescribed timelines for completion of audits.
- Clearly defined roles and responsibilities of the distribution platform operator (DPO), the broadcaster and the auditor during the audit process.
- Standard formats for vendor declarations, audit forms and audit reports.
The draft has been placed on TRAI’s website, www.trai.gov.in. Written inputs, comments and suggestions, supported by detailed reasons, justification and relevant data or evidence, are invited from stakeholders by 30th October 2026. Comments may be sent, preferably in electronic form, to advbcs-2@trai.gov.in and jtadvbcs-3@trai.gov.in.
