TRAI proposes board-approved AI policies, mandatory reporting of serious incidents by telcos

TRAI noted that, at present, AI is increasingly being integrated into telecommunication networks and provision of telecommunication services. File | Photo Credit: Reuters Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), on Friday (October 30, 2026), proposed a comprehensive draft framework for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in telecom networks that would require service providers to adopt board-approved AI policies, establish dedicated governance and safety committees, and report serious AI-related incidents to the regulator.The draft guidelines, released for stakeholder consultations, also seek to make entities accountable for the outcomes of AI systems deployed in their networks and services, "irrespective of whether AI systems are developed internally, procured/ outsourced from a third party or a combination thereof."TRAI, in a release, said it has floated the "draft 'Guidelines on Responsible Use of AI in Telecommunication Networks and Provision of Telecommunication Services' for stakeholders' comments".A look at the consultation paper shows that under the proposed framework, telecom operators and other authorised entities using AI will have to classify their AI systems into high-, medium- and low-risk categories based on their significance to network operations, financial and operational outcomes, and potential implications for consumers.Each entity will be required to formulate an internal AI policy, approved by its board of directors or equivalent governing body, covering risk classification, deployment approvals, incident management, human oversight, data governance and consumer grievance redressal."All AI systems shall be subject to an appropriate human oversight for risk mitigation as per a predefined mechanism," the consultation paper said.The regulator has proposed that AI-related incidents be classified into four categories, namely critical, high, moderate and low severity, with critical and high-severity incidents mandatorily reported to TRAI."Critical severity AI incidents and high severity AI incidents shall be informed to TRAI in a prescribed format, manner and timeframe," it said.Telecom companies will also have to maintain central databases of AI incidents and consumer complaints involving AI-related harm, with mechanisms for investigation, mitigation and resolution.The sector regulator noted that, at present, AI is increasingly being integrated into telecommunication networks and provision of telecommunication services."With a view to ensuring consistent and responsible implementation of the India AI Governance Guidelines in the telecommunication sector, and to increase clarity, predictability and accountability in the ecosystem, TRAI has decided to frame guidelines on responsible use of AI in telecommunication networks and provision of telecommunication services after following stakeholders' consultation," TRAI said. Published - October 30, 2026 06:42 pm IST