WhatsApp, Signal may not require licences to operate in India: Report

Telecom minister has said that regulations in the draft telecom bill will protect the customers from cyberattacks and will only be 'light touch'

Over-the-top (OTT) communication platforms like WhatsApp and Signal may not require licences to operate in India but will have to step up user protection. A consensus that user protection must be prioritised has emerged from the discussions between the government and the stakeholders on the draft telecom bill, said a report by Livemint .

The report said that various stakeholders will continue to discuss the "light-touch regulations" for the OTT communication platforms. 

In September, telecom minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the draft telecom bill focuses on two points: protection of consumers and regulations. The regulations will be put in place primarily to