The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has initiated a public consultation to address the growing issue of spam and scam messages affecting consumers in Oman. The increase in unsolicited messages has led to heightened user frustration and a rise in complaints.
To tackle this problem, TRA plans to introduce new regulations that all telecommunications service providers must adhere to. These regulations will implement measures to safeguard users from scam messages, establish contracting procedures for licensees with SMS aggregators, and regulate the handling of spam and scam messages. Penalties for non-compliance will also be outlined.
“Given the rising concerns about cybersecurity, it’s crucial for stakeholders to invest in better technology to protect end users,” said TRA, noting ongoing collaboration with other entities in Oman to strengthen cybersecurity efforts.
Additionally, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has been urging mobile users to stay cautious, as fraudsters continue to target individuals globally and within Oman, often exploiting them for financial gain through various scam methods.