The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed a regulatory framework to strengthen the responsible use of artificial intelligence in India's telecommunications sector.
On October 30, 2026, the regulator released the draft Guidelines on Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Telecommunication Networks and Provision of Telecommunication Services for stakeholder consultation.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
TRAI released the draft AI guidelines on October 30, 2026.
Stakeholder comments are invited until November 27, 2026.
Applicable authorised telecom entities would need board-approved internal AI policies.
AI systems would be classified as high-risk, medium-risk or low-risk.
AI incidents would be classified into four severity levels.
Critical- and high-severity incidents would be reported to TRAI in a prescribed manner and timeframe.
The proposed guidelines would apply to entities holding relevant licences or authorisations under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, or the Telecommunications Act, 2023, for providing telecommunication services or establishing, operating, maintaining or expanding telecommunication networks, where they use or intend to use AI in those networks or services.
Under the draft, applicable authorised entities would be required to formulate internal AI policies approved by their boards of directors or equivalent governing bodies. These policies would cover AI risk classification, approval for the use of AI systems, incident management, human oversight, data governance and consumer grievance redressal.
The draft proposes classifying AI systems into three categories: high-risk, medium-risk and low-risk. The classification would consider the importance of each system to network operations and services, its financial and operational impact, and its potential implications for consumers.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Telecommunications networks support essential communication, digital services, commerce and emergency response. As AI becomes more integrated into these systems, failures or unintended decisions could affect network reliability and consumer interests. TRAI's proposed framework seeks to establish clearer responsibilities for telecom entities, including risk assessment, human supervision, incident management and consumer grievance redressal. If finalised, the guidelines could shape how applicable telecom operators and authorised entities manage AI systems.
It also proposes classifying AI-related incidents into four levels: critical, high, moderate and low severity. Critical- and high-severity incidents would have to be reported to TRAI in a prescribed format, manner and timeframe. However, the draft does not specify an exact number of hours or days for such reporting.
The proposed framework also calls for appropriate human oversight of AI systems and approval by a designated officer before their use. Telecom entities would be expected to maintain records of AI systems, assess risks before deployment and conduct validation, conformity and impact assessments before introducing a new AI system or modifying an existing one.
The draft further proposes central databases to record AI incidents and reports of AI-related harm to telecom users, along with mechanisms for investigation, mitigation and resolution. Consumer complaints involving AI-related harm would be addressed within a reasonable timeframe under a predefined grievance redressal mechanism; the draft does not prescribe a specific resolution period.
For organisational oversight, TRAI has proposed the establishment of an AI Governance and Safety Committee (AGSC), headed by a senior executive designated as the AI Governance and Safety Officer (AGSO). The committee would periodically review AI system performance, incident records and emerging risks.
The draft also proposes making each applicable authorised entity accountable for the outcomes of AI systems it uses, whether those systems are developed internally or procured or outsourced from third parties.
Stakeholders have been invited to submit comments on the draft guidelines by November 27, 2026. The proposals remain under consultation and should not be treated as final or implemented requirements.
