Draft AI Guidelines, 2026 in Telecom sector
The increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into telecommunication networks and services has raised concerns relating to reliability, consumer protection and accountability. In this regard, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), on 30 October 2026, released the Draft Guidelines on Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Telecommunication Networks and Provision of Telecommunication Services for stakeholder consultation.
The draft seeks to establish a framework for responsible AI deployment in the telecommunications sector, with emphasis on risk management, human oversight and institutional accountability.
Scope and Applicability
The proposed guidelines apply to entities holding a licence under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, or an authorisation under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, for providing telecommunication services. They also cover entities authorised to establish, operate, maintain or expand telecommunication networks, where they use or intend to use AI systems in their networks or services.
Key Proposals:
Internal AI Policy and Risk Classification
The draft requires every applicable authorised entity to formulate an internal AI policy, approved by its board of directors or equivalent governing body. AI systems must be classified as high-risk, medium-risk or low-risk, considering their significance to network operations, financial and operational implications, and potential impact on consumers. Deployment would require approval from a designated officer, with delegation based on risk classification.
Assessment and Monitoring of AI Systems
Authorised entities must maintain an updated inventory of active, inactive and decommissioned AI systems, specifying their source, purpose and risk classification. Before acquiring third-party AI systems, due diligence must be undertaken regarding supplier credibility, system reliability, limitations and training data quality.
New AI systems and modifications to existing systems must undergo validation, conformity assessment and impact assessment, covering accuracy, robustness, explainability, fairness, drift resilience and human oversight. The draft also proposes appropriate contractual safeguards when procuring AI systems from third parties.
Institutional Oversight
The draft proposes the establishment of an AI Governance and Safety Committee (AGSC), with board approval and representation from relevant organisational functions, including network operations, IT, data management, regulatory affairs and consumer affairs. The committee will be headed by a senior executive designated as the AI Governance and Safety Officer (AGSO).
The AGSC must periodically review AI system performance, incident records, vulnerabilities, fairness concerns and emerging risks, at least once every financial year. Corrective measures, including modification or decommissioning of AI systems, may be undertaken where necessary.
Incident Management and Consumer Protection
The draft requires AI incidents to be classified as critical, high, moderate or low severity and recorded in a central database, including incidents arising during testing.
Authorised entities must establish mechanisms for investigating incidents and mitigating disruptions through predefined Standard Operating Procedures. A separate database must record AI-related harm reported by users and the resolution of complaints. The internal AI policy must also provide for human oversight, appropriate data governance and grievance redressal.
Accountability and Regulatory Reporting
The draft places responsibility for the outcomes of AI systems on the authorised entity, irrespective of whether the systems are developed internally, procured from third parties or outsourced.
Critical-severity and high-severity incidents, including material malfunctions and recurring failures, together with mitigation measures, must be reported to TRAI in the prescribed manner. Authorised entities must also maintain compliance records and furnish relevant information to TRAI when required. The internal AI policy must be reviewed annually and filed with TRAI within seven working days of coming into effect.
Conclusion
The draft guidelines propose a governance framework for responsible AI use in telecommunications, covering risk classification, assessment, institutional oversight, incident management and accountability. As the document remains at the consultation stage, the proposed requirements are subject to stakeholder comments and TRAI’s consideration before finalisation.
Last date for submission of stakeholder comments is 27 November 2026.
