India’s telecom regulator wants operators to take responsibility for AI-related failures. This also includes those involving third-party vendor systems, under proposed rules covering network operations and customer services.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released draft guidelines to strengthen accountability for AI use across the country’s telecom sector. The proposed framework requires authorised telecom entities to establish internal AI policies, monitor automated systems & report serious AI-related incidents to the regulator.
The proposals cover companies holding licences under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, or authorisations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, that use or intend to use AI in telecom networks or services.
Also Read: TRAI Proposes ₹1 Lakh Entry Fee for FAST TV Apps Under Light-Touch Regulatory Framework
Telecom Operators To Remain Accountable For AI Failures
A key provision of the draft places responsibility for AI outcomes on the telecom entity using the system, regardless of whether it was developed internally, outsourced or procured from an external supplier.
Operators would have to introduce board-approved AI policies, classifying systems as high, medium or low risk according to their operational importance, financial impact and potential consequences for consumers.
The draft also proposes that designated officers approve AI systems before deployment. Operators must maintain an updated inventory of active, inactive and decommissioned systems, recording their source, purpose and risk classification.
Also Read: Bharti Airtel Launches Voice-Only Recharge Plans at ₹185, ₹203 and ₹206 After TRAI Mandate
AI Incidents, Human Oversight And Consumer Protection
The proposed framework divides AI-related incidents into four categories: critical, high, moderate and low severity. Operators would have to record incidents in a central database, investigate failures and follow predefined procedures to limit disruption.
Operators would have to report sensitive & high-severity incidents, including material malfunctions and recurring failures, to TRAI within prescribed timelines. The regulator could use these reports for sector-wide risk assessment & preventive measures.
The draft also requires human oversight of deployed AI systems, secure data handling, and a grievance redressal mechanism to address AI-related consumer complaints within a reasonable timeframe.
Before deploying new AI systems or modifying existing ones, operators would need to conduct validation, conformity and impact assessments covering accuracy, fairness, reliability and explainability.
Also Read: TRAI Orders Telecom Operators to Create ‘TRAI-Mandated Packs’ Section on Websites, Apps
Board-Level AI Governance And November 27 Deadline
The proposed rules also call for an AI Governance and Safety Committee, headed by a senior executive designated as the AI Governance and Safety Officer. The committee would review system performance, incident records and emerging risks at least once every financial year.
Operators must also assess third-party suppliers, obtain relevant disclosures & include enforceable contractual provisions covering compliance, audits, incident management and accountability.
TRAI has invited stakeholder comments until 27 November 2026. The draft is part of the regulator’s effort to align telecom-sector practices with the Government’s India AI Governance Guidelines released in February 2026.
For telecom operators, the key issue is no longer simply where AI is deployed. Instead, it’s how operators monitor decisions, investigate failures & assign responsibility when something goes wrong. The consultation will shape these proposed obligations.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
