Pesky calls issue: Apple writes to TRAI on new features to flag spam calls

Tech titan Apple has informed telecom regulator TRAI that the new version of its operating system includes a feature that would allow users to report unwanted messages and calls as spam, sources said.

The issue of reporting unsolicited telemarketing calls and messages has been a major bone of contention between the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and the US-based company.

According to sources, Apple in its letter dated June 19 said it has recently announced a new feature in iOS 12 (its operating system) to enhance spam SMS and call reporting.

This new capability, the company said, provides developers with the ability to create an app extension that allows users to report both unwanted messages and calls as spam.

To report the unsolicited communication, the user will have to enable an Unwanted Communication extension in the Settings app, it added.

However, iOS and Apple's app store review guidelines still do not allow a mobile app to transmit a customer's personally-identifiable information and usage history to a third-party automatically, without the user directing that action.

Sources, who have seen the letter, said Apple has argued that doing so would open the door to users being tracked by third parties without their knowledge and may expose them to harm.

A senior TRAI official, who did not wish to be named, confirmed that Apple has sent a letter, saying that it is building functionalities in iOS version 12 to enable handling of complaints related to spam and pesky calls.

Apple did not comment on a query mailed by

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