Lowdown: TRAI wants live TV apps like Samsung TV Plus to get a govt license
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended that linear television streaming apps—including Samsung TV Plus, YuppTV, and Xiaomi TV+—be licensed under the Telecommunications Act. The framework would require app developers to enforce data localization (storing user viewing history in India), enforce removal of unlicensed apps, and register internet-exclusive channels. News channels would be exempt from registration. TRAI's recommendations were released in October and now await Ministry of Information and Broadcasting approval. This regulatory approach aims to establish formal oversight of Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) services.
Key points
- TRAI recommends licensing FAST services under Telecommunications Act.
- User data localization and channel registration mandated.
- App stores and TV makers must enforce compliance and remove unlicensed apps.
Summary and key points written by AI from the headline and a short excerpt, so they can be incomplete or wrong. MediaNama did the reporting; read the original for the full story.
Read the full story at MediaNama
