TRAI OTP Format Proposal Could Bring Clearer, Safer Messages

• TRAI is reportedly discussing a common OTP message format with telecom operators.
• The proposed structure may identify the sender, OTP purpose and code validity clearly.
• TRAI has not officially announced the proposal, and no new rule is in force.

The TRAI OTP format proposal is reportedly being discussed with telecom operators to make one-time password messages easier to identify. Media reports say the proposed common structure could be used by banks, e-commerce platforms and other digital services, where OTPs are used for activities such as signing in and confirming payments.

The idea is still a reported proposal, not an announced regulation. TRAI has not officially confirmed the plan, and no new rule is currently in force. The reported discussions also include changes to how OTP notifications appear on a phone, with the aim of making it harder for someone glancing at the screen to see the code.

TRAI OTP Format Proposal: What the Common Message May Include

Existing OTP messages can look different from one company to another. A common structure is reportedly being considered so people can more easily understand who sent a code, what it relates to and how long it remains valid.

• Sending company: The message would clearly identify the bank, platform or service that generated the OTP.
• Reason for the OTP: The message would state the purpose, such as a login, payment, transaction confirmation or another activity.
• Validity: The format would make the code’s validity period clear, helping the recipient understand when it can be used.

These are reported elements under consideration. The final message format, implementation details and any timeline have not been officially announced, so the proposal should not be treated as a confirmed requirement for banks or digital services.

OTP notification privacy is also being examined

Media reports also say notification-display changes are being examined. The aim would be to prevent the OTP from being immediately visible when another person happens to glance at a phone screen. The exact display method has not been announced, and it is not yet clear what changes, if any, will be adopted.

A clearer message format and more private notifications would address different parts of the same problem: identifying a genuine OTP message and reducing casual exposure of the code. Neither change, by itself, would mean that a message or caller asking for an OTP is trustworthy.

How OTP scams typically try to trick people

Fraudsters may impersonate bank staff or customer-care representatives and use stories about KYC updates, refunds or service cancellations to persuade people to share an OTP. A caller may sound convincing, but a claimed job title or urgent explanation does not prove that the person represents a genuine organisation.

Never disclose an OTP to someone who calls or messages unexpectedly and asks you to read it out. If a request concerns a bank account or online service, end the conversation and contact the organisation through its official app or a contact number you have independently verified. You can also review MobileTelco’s guide to SIM swap fraud warning signs and first steps to understand another way a mobile number can be targeted.

What happens next?

For now, the reported common OTP structure and notification changes remain under consideration. Until TRAI issues an official announcement, users and businesses should not assume that a new format, display setting or compliance deadline has been introduced. For formal updates, check the official TRAI website.

Conclusion

The TRAI OTP format proposal could make OTP messages easier to recognise by showing the sender, purpose and validity in a common structure. Notification privacy is also reportedly being examined. However, there is no official announcement yet, and the proposal is not a rule in force. Users should continue to keep OTPs private and verify unexpected requests through official channels.

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