SAMACHAR - SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER, 2025  
 
 

IAMAI Recommendations on Draft Rules for Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services, 2025

The IAMAI made a submission to the Department of Telecommunications on the Draft Telecommunications (Authorisation for Provision of Miscellaneous Telecommunication Services) Rules, 2025 (Draft Rules). The submission highlighted that Cloud-based EPABX was an IT service operating at the application layer and not a core telecom service. IAMAI pointed out that such services neither provided numbering nor PSTN connectivity and fell under the jurisdiction of MeitY. Regulating them like telecom providers would therefore result in dual regulation, double taxation, and higher compliance costs, adversely affecting IT, BPO, and outsourcing sectors, the submissions said.

The IAMAI further noted that network security, QoS, and licensing obligations already rested with telecom operators, and extending these to application-layer providers was redundant and disproportionate. Complex licensing and AGR-based fees would deter startups, stifle innovation, reduce competition, and slow digital adoption. IAMAI urged proportionate, innovation-friendly regulation that distinguishes network and application layers.
 
 

IAMAI Urges Simplification of MD-42 Registration Requirements Under Medical Devices Rules, 2017

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on the Medical Devices Rules, 2017 (Rules). The submission suggested the removal of operational challenges and regulatory hurdles on the sale and distribution of medical devices. The submission noted that uniform compliance requirements for all device classes, location-specific registrations, and fragmented state-level procedures led to increased costs and delays.

The IAMAI also proposed several recommendations aimed at simplifying MD-42 registration requirements under the Rules, including time-bound approvals with deemed approval within 10 days, auto-generation of MD-42 certificates for low-risk Class A and B devices, and harmonised state processes. The submission underlined that simplifying the framework would enhance accessibility, affordability, and innovation in India’s growing MedTech sector.
 
 

IAMAI Submission to Union Ministry of Labour & Employment on Draft Private Placement Agency (Regulation) Bill, 2025

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) made a submission to the Union Ministry of Labour & Employment on the Draft Private Placement Agency (Regulation) Bill, 2025. In its submission the IAMAI suggested that the Draft Bill should distinguish between placement agencies and digital platforms/intermediaries to avoid bringing online job-listing platforms under the ambit of “private placement agencies,” which could result in overlapping compliance requirements with the IT Act. The IAMAI highlighted that job listing platforms merely acted as facilitators between employers and jobseekers and were not involved in the recruitment process beyond the initial job search and discovery, nor were they a party to or controlled in any manner the interaction between the recruiter and jobseeker.

The submission pointed out that the Draft Bill established a Central Placement Support Authority and assigned enforcement and registration responsibilities to state governments. In this regard the IAMAI recommended that the bill should clearly delineate functional boundaries. To avoid ambiguity and compliance burdens, the IAMAI recommended a single-window registration system for both State and Central authorities.
 
 

IAMAI Submission on the Draft Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2025

The IAMAI submitted feedback on the Draft Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules (‘Draft Rules’), highlighting that the framework excluded SaaS-based mobility platforms that only facilitated digital connections between drivers and passengers without handling fares or exercising operational control. The IAMAI urged recognition of these distinct models and stressed the importance of affording platforms the flexibility to adopt varied operational models.

Other recommendations included aligning several provisions of the Draft Rules with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025 issued by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, reconsideration of the 100 km intracity cap, and the need for consultative processes preceding any fleet mandates. The IAMAI urged that the Draft Rules should ensure safety and fairness without constraining innovation or legitimate business models.
 
 

IAMAI Submission to Chandigarh Administration on the Adoption of Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025

To help facilitate adoption of the Central Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025 ('Central Guidelines') issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, IAMAI made a submission to the Chandigarh Administration on its Motor Vehicles Aggregators Rules, 2025 ('Chandigarh Rules'). In its submission, the IAMAI highlighted the differences between the Chandigarh Rules and the Central Guidelines, particularly in areas pertaining to driver training, experience, medical examination and operating hours, among others. It also suggested further consultations on matters such as insurance, fare regulation, taxation, surcharges, the state commission, and notably, commercial operations for two-wheelers.
 
 

Digital Advertising Council Submission to CBC Recommends Creation of a News Media Category

The IAMAI’s Digital Advertisement Council (DAC) made a submission to the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), advocating the creation of a distinct ‘News Media’ category under the Digital Advertisement Policy 2023. The submission highlighted the critical public-interest role of credible journalism and the need to differentiate news publishers from other digital advertising inventory providers.

DAC’s recommendations included establishing a separate bidding category for news media, defining clear eligibility criteria for empanelment, and setting a base rate structure similar to those for print and television. The submission also outlined a comprehensive definition of digital news platforms, including websites, mobile apps and connected TV, backed by editorial, financial and operational standards to ensure transparency and authenticity.
 
 

Digital Entertainment Committee Submission to Prasar Bharati on Draft Rules on Compliance with Accessibility Standards for IT Products and Services

The IAMAI’s Digital Entertainment Committee (DEC) made a submission to Prasar Bharati on the Draft Rules on Compliance with Accessibility Standards for Information Technology Products and Services issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. While reaffirming the industry’s commitment to advancing accessibility, the submission highlighted that mandating complete compliance with BIS IS 17802 Parts 1 and 2 without a detailed impact assessment was impractical. The DEC underlined that online platforms operated in complex, multi-language and high-volume environments, and a phased, consultative approach was essential.

The DEC also urged that accessibility should remain a state-led initiative, with Prasar Bharati serving as a model for best practices, and implementation beginning only after three years with voluntary, incentivised adoption. It further recommended platform-level confirmations instead of title-wise reports and limiting the scope of compliance to prospective content where rights were available, to avoid disproportionate burdens on the industry.
 
 

Digital Entertainment Committee Submission to MIB on Advisories Regarding Pakistan-Origin Content

Several member platforms of the Digital Entertainment Committee (DEC) of the IAMAI attended a meeting convened by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on August 12, 2025, to discuss access to songs of Pakistani origin on music streaming and user-generated content platforms. Following this meeting, the DEC made a formal submission to the MIB highlighting that these music streaming platforms acted as intermediaries and did not create or controlled content, making a blanket restriction without URL-specific directions impractical and legally unsound. The submission also noted that the terms “Pakistani content” and “Pakistani origin” remained undefined and that identifying the origin of digital content was technically unfeasible due to limited metadata. The DEC requested that the Ministry issued clear, URL-specific directions consistent with the IT Act framework.
 
 

Digital Entertainment Committee Meeting with DPIIT on Proposed Amendment of the Copyright Act

IAMAI’s Digital Entertainment Committee (DEC) participated in a stakeholder consultation meeting held on September 25, 2025, with the IPR Division of DPIIT to discuss proposed amendments to the Copyright Act, 1957. Key areas of discussion included discussions on the proposed amendments to provisions such as Section 52(1)(za) on marriage and related exceptions, Sections 30 and 33 on potential overlaps, Section 53A on resale share rights, provisions on parallel imports and assignment of copyrights, Section 65A on technological protection measures, and Sections 62 and 63 relating to jurisdiction and offences.
 
 

PCI Submission on 'Proposed Measures for Enhancing Security and User Experience in Device Tokenization'

The Card Network Committee of the Payments Council of India submitted a note to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on the ‘Proposed Measures for Enhancing Security and User Experience in Device Tokenization’. The submission suggested an implementation timeline with phased short-term and mid-term solutions for device tokenization.
 
 

PCI Submission to NPCI on Retaining PSP + TPAP Fee Structure for RuPay Credit Card on UPI

The PCI’s UPI Committee, representing Third-Party Application Providers (TPAPs), made a submission to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in September 2025, advocating the retention of the current PSP + TPAP fee structure for RuPay Credit Card on UPI, emphasizing its role in sustaining ecosystem incentives, supporting fintech innovation, and driving continued growth in adoption.
 
 

FCC Submission to RBI on Strengthening Financial Security and Systemic Resilience

The IAMAI’s Fintech Convergence Council (FCC) made a submission to the RBI on Strengthening Financial Security and Systemic Resilience (FSSR). The submission included recommendations aimed at protecting vulnerable banking customers and enhancing systemic integrity and resilience across the financial ecosystem.
 
 

FCC Submission to AMFI on Continuity and Structured Transition in API-based Data Access through MF Central CAS

The FCC made a submission to the Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on the discontinuation of API-based investor data access through MF Central CAS, as directed by AMFI. The submission sought guidance and clarity on the implications of the AMFI direction for the industry. The FCC requested reconsideration of the decision and proposed collaborative discussions to address industry concerns.
 
 

DAC to Form Taskforce on Digital Measurement

The Digital Advertising Council (DAC) of the IAMAI has announced the formation of a taskforce on digital measurement, to be led by Dr. Aditya Save. The initiative aims to develop a neutral, transparent, and advertiser-centric audience measurement framework, beginning with digital video formats. The taskforce will undertake a feasibility study to define the structure, scope, and governance of the proposed system. Members of the taskforce include Shantanu Sirohi (Interactive Avenues), Priya Choudhary (Google), Gaurav Jeet Singh (META), Deepit Purkayasth (Inshorts), Russhabh Thakkar (Frodoh), and Avanish Kumar (NDTV).
 
 

Taskforce on Inclusion of Digital News Platforms in Government Advertising (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana) Holds First Virtual Meet

The Digital Advertising Council’s Taskforce on Inclusion of Digital News Platforms in Government Advertising (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana) held its first meeting in virtual format on October 3, 2025. Leading publishers including NDTV, Outlook, Jagran, India Today, TV9, Explurger, Way2News, the Times Internet, and the Indian Express participated in the session. The taskforce discussed the need for a unified industry approach to advocate for the inclusion of digital news platforms in the government advertising plans of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where media spends are currently limited to print. Members emphasized the need for a data-driven representation showcasing the reach, engagement, and regional impact of digital platforms.
 
 

IAMAI Hosts High-Level U.S.–India Tech Roundtable on TRUST at U.S. Consulate, Mumbai

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) co-hosted an exclusive roundtable at the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai on September 10, 2025. Mr. Jared Mondschein, Policy Advisor for Critical and Emerging Technology Policy at the U.S. Department of State, was the key speaker at the roundtable. The session explored the U.S.–India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) Initiative and its potential to serve as a framework for accelerating India’s data centre infrastructure growth.

Bringing together CXOs and leaders from India’s cloud and data centre ecosystem, the dialogue explored key themes including investment pathways, technology partnerships, energy reliability, policy harmonization, and trusted digital ecosystems. Mr. Mondschein emphasized the importance of U.S.–India collaboration in shaping resilient, secure, and sustainable technology ecosystems.


Roundtable on Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology (TRUST)
 
 

IAMAI and AWS Hosts Dinner & Discussion on Balancing Innovation with Responsible Regulation

IAMAI’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), organised hosted an exclusive closed-door dinner and discussion on September 23, 2025. The evening brought together 25 founders and CXOs from leading AI, fintech, e-commerce, and digital content companies for a candid dialogue on global regulatory trends shaping the digital economy. The discussion focused on balancing innovation with responsible regulation and exploring strategies for Indian tech companies to navigate evolving global standards.

Dr. Kati Suominen, Founder & CEO of Nextrade Group, and Mr. Michael Punke, Global Vice President, Public Policy at AWS, addressed the roundtable. Dr. Suominen presented an analysis of the ‘Brussels Effect’, explaining how EU regulations were influencing global technology and compliance frameworks. Michael Punke shared AWS’s initiatives to support select customers through policy advocacy and regulator engagement.
 
 

AI Committee Hosts Applied AI Dialogues to Help Industry Leaders Make Informed, Decisions About AI Adoption

The IAMAI’s AI Committee organised two Applied AI Dialogues in August 2025. The AI Dialogues platform is designed to help industry leaders make informed, strategic decisions about AI adoption. IT brings together pioneers and practitioners to share real-world applications, emerging trends, and actionable insights for AI integration across sectors. The theme of the inaugural session was ‘Intelligent Commerce with Agentic AI’, which explored how Agentic AI was transforming commerce and payments. It was addressed by Mr. Rajagopal P., Head – Digital Payment Solutions, Visa.

The second episode of the Applied AI Dialogues explored ‘Embedded AI Agents for BFSI: How is AI changing the way we onboard customers? And why should you care?’ Key themes explored in the session included understanding the fundamentals of embedded AI Agents, addressing cultural and trust challenges, and overcoming limitations and challenges in complex scenarios. Key speakers were Mr. Venkatramu J, Former MD & CEO, India Post Payments Bank; Mr. Neeraj Gupta Co-founder and CPO, RevRag.ai; Mr. Ashutosh Prakash Singh, Co-founder & CEO, RevRag.AI and Mr. Mayan Kansal, Co-founder and CEO, Genstaq.ai.
 
 

Knowledge Session on Fraud, Payments, and Emerging Tech: Risks and Resilience

The Payments Council of India (PCI), the Fintech Convergence Council (FCC), and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), in collaboration with the Institute of International Finance (IIF) organised a knowledge session on September 17, 2025, on ‘Fraud, Payments, and Emerging Tech: Risks and Resilience’. Ms. Jessica Renier, Managing Director – Digital Finance, IIF addressed the session. Key issues discussed included global fraud prevention trends, liability frameworks, and emerging technologies such as AI, tokenization, and quantum computing. More than 100 industry professionals took part in the session.
 
 

PCI Hosts AML Workshop for Regulated Payment Entities

The Payments Council of India (PCI) in collaboration with the Alliance of Reporting Entities in India for AML/CFT (ARIFAC) conducted a webinar on “AML Workshop for Regulated Payment Entities” on October 5, 2025. The session was led by Ms. Jyothi N M, Head of Compliance & AML, BillDesk, who shared key insights on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) frameworks, regulatory compliance, and best practices for payment entities operating in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
 
 

Webinar on Directions on Framework on Authentication Mechanisms for Digital Payment Transactions

The FCC and the PCI jointly organised a webinar on September 30, 2025, on ‘Directions on Framework on Authentication Mechanisms for Digital Payment Transactions’. Mr. Prashant Ramdas, Partner, Khaitan & Co. hosted the session. He discussed the Reserve Bank of India’s framework on authentication mechanisms for digital payments, featuring key industry voices and regulatory insights. Over 100 industry professionals attended the session.
 
 

Knowledge Session on Decoding RBI’s Master Direction on Regulation of Payment Aggregator

The Payments Council of India (PCI) hosted a knowledge session on the RBI’s Master Direction on the Regulation of Payment Aggregators (PAs), released on September 15, 2025. The discussion covered key aspects such as the regulatory framework, definitions, merchant onboarding norms, and escrow account guidelines. It was followed by a question-and-answer session. The session was led by Ms. Nidhi Jain and Mr. Amit Jain, Partners at PwC.
 
 

PCI Organizes Industry Discussion on PA Master Directions

The PCI's Merchant Aggregators and Acquirers Committee (MAAC) hosted an industry discussion on September 24, 2025, on PA Master Directions. The discussion focused on various issues including KYC compliance, marketplace, escrow account and settlement, regulatory clarifications and compliance timelines and pending authorizations and transitional issues.
 
 

PCI Hosts Industry Discussion on Alternate factors of Authentication

The PCI Cards Network Committee held a discussion on the draft Framework on Alternative Authentication Mechanisms for Digital Payment Transactions. The meeting deliberated upon the impact of the framework and how it mandates robust, risk-based, and dynamic multi-factor authentication while ensuring customer consent, issuer accountability, and technology integrity.
 
 

PCI’s UPI Committee Holds Quarterly Meet

The PCI's UPI Committee held its quarterly committee meeting on September 22, 2025. The discussion focused on key industry priorities including feature flexibility, interoperability, fraud liability, and sustainability of TPAP fee structures. Action points were identified across these areas, with members to share detailed inputs and nominations for working groups.
 
 

PCI’s Payment Tech-enabler Committee’s Quarterly Meet

The PCI's Payment Tech-enabler Committee held its quarterly committee meeting on September 23, 2025. Members discussed key focus areas including fintech–bank collaboration, outsourcing guidelines for TSPs, AI in payments and emerging technologies in authentication. Participants highlighted the need for structured frameworks, harmonized norms, and industry–regulator alignment. Working groups will be constituted to take these discussions forward and work on actionable recommendations.
 
 

FCC Knowledge Session on Deep Dive into RBI’s FREE-AI Committee Report: From Principles to Practice

The Fintech Convergence Council (FCC) hosted a knowledge session discussing the Reserve Bank of India’s Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI) Committee Report on September 1, 2025. It was addressed by Mr. Supratim Chakraborty and Ms. Smita Jha, Partners at Khaitan & Co. The speakers explored the RBI’s FREE-AI Committee report, focusing on how key principles from the report could be translated into actionable industry practices. The session was attended by around 90 industry professionals.
 
 

FCC Hosts Panel Discussion on Customer Due Diligence & Enhanced Due Diligence: Role of TSPs and REs

The FCC’s Regtech Committee organised a panel discussion on September 3, 2025, on ‘Customer Due Diligence & Enhanced Due Diligence: Role of Technology Service Providers (TSPs) and Regulated Entities (RE)’. Mr. Paritosh Tripathi, Founding Member, Signzy and Mr. Ritom Das, Head - Digitization & Digital Transformation, L&T Finance, addressed the session. Among key issues discussed were risk-based approach under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), enhanced scrutiny for high-risk accounts, anonymized case studies, and the best practices for RegTechs and regulated entities.
 
 

FCC Organizes Knowledge Session on Cybersecurity and Cyber-resilience in the BFSI Sector

The FCC hosted a knowledge session on September 18, 2025, on Cybersecurity and Cyber-resilience in the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) Sector. The session was addressed by Mr. Anirban Mohapatra, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. The discussion focused on issues such as evolving cyber risks and resilience strategies in BFSI, and how the industry players could prepare themselves better for the evolving compliance requirements in this dynamic sector. The session saw participation from over 50 industry professionals.
 
 

FCC Knowledge Session on Balancing Compliance with Business Growth and Operational Efficiency

The FCC hosted a knowledge session on the topic ‘From Box-Ticking to Business Value – Reimagining Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) for Fintech Growth’, on October 29, 2025. The session was addressed by Dr. Narayanan Krishnan, Cybersecurity Expert, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) & Log Analysis, SaaS. The session focused on balancing compliance with business growth and operational efficiency. The speaker also expanded on cyber audits, vendor risk management, and scalable GRC frameworks. Over 50 industry professionals attended the session.
 
 

FCC-NSE Joint Investor Awareness Campaign

The FCC and the National Stock Exchange’s (NSE) jointly organized an investor awareness campaign, in September 2025. It continues to engage investors across the country. The October campaign focused on helping investors identify signs of fraudulent activity in securities markets and take preventive measures to protect their investments.
 
 

FCC-RBIH Awareness Campaign for Fintech Repository

The FCC, in collaboration with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), launched a social media campaign in October to promote the Fintech Repository-an initiative to connect fintechs, enhance transparency, and strengthen collaboration across India’s financial ecosystem.