TRAI Releases Draft Guidelines on Responsible Use of AI in Telecom Networks

• 31 Oct 2026
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India’s telecom regulator, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, released draft Guidelines on Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Telecommunication Networks and Provision of Telecommunication Services on 30 October 2026. Currently, comments and feedback from stakeholders are being invited by the regulator for this particular draft. 

The draft guidelines have been formulated with the aim to ensure that AI is used in telecom sector in a responsible manner and that this technology is not used in a manner that compromises on quality, network resilience or puts customer privacy at risk in any manner whatsoever. 

Background and Guiding Principles

In February 2026, the Government of India had come up with India AI Governance Guidelines. These guidelines were released with aim to utilize transformative potential that artificial intelligence has for inclusive development as well as global competitiveness.

These guidelines also aim to address risks that AI may pose to individuals as well as society at large. Part 4 of guidelines give practical guidance to industry stakeholders and regulators. It aims to enhance clarity, predictability and accountability within the ecosystem. 

The guidelines are based on a total of seven sutras/principles, namely:-

(i) Trust is the Foundation

(ii) People First

(iii) Innovation over Restraint

(iv) Fairness and Equity

(v) Accountability

(vi) Understandable by Design

(vii) Safety, Resilience and Sustainability

Need of the Hour: Responsible Use of AI in Telecom Sector

The telecommunications sector is inarguably one of the most important components of our country’s digital infrastructure. Currently, this sector supports connectivity for public, helps in delivery of essential e-services, enables trade and commerce and ensures secure and resilient functioning of our country's core information infrastructure. This sector is important not only for social, economic and commercial activities but is also equally important for national security and emergency response efforts. 

In present scenario, AI is increasingly being adopted into telecom networks and provisions of telecom services. To ensure that India AI Governance Guidelines are implemented consistently and responsibly as well as to increase clarity, predictability and accountability in ecosystem, the telecom regulator decided to establish guidelines for responsible use of AI in telecom networks and provision of telecom services after consultations with stakeholders.

In this context, draft of Guidelines on Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Telecommunication Networks and Provision of Telecommunication Services has been made available by regulator on its official website @www.trai.gov.in for stakeholder feedback. Written comments on draft guidelines are currently being invited from stakeholders till 27 November 2026. Therefore, if you want to provide feedback, make sure to do it before the deadline.

Comments may be sent by the stakeholders in electronic mode to Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, TRAI Advisor (Networks, Spectrum & Licensing), on his email ID: advmn@trai.gov.in. In case of any clarifications/additional information regarding draft guidelines, you can get in touch with Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi @ +91-11-20907758. 

Source:- TRAI