The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a draft manual detailing audit procedures for Digital Rights Management (DRM)-based digital addressable systems. The document covers Schedule X requirements in the Interconnection Regulations and is open for comments from stakeholders until October 30, 2026.
On October 9, 2026, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued the Draft Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Digital Rights Management (DRM) based Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual, 2026 for comments from stakeholders. The manual aims to provide detailed audit procedures for DRM-based systems that comply with Schedule X of the Interconnection Regulations, which pertain primarily to IPTV-based distribution services.
The Interconnection Regulations, enacted in 2017, mandate annual audits of digital addressable systems (DAS) for television channel distributors, including conditional access systems (CAS), subscription management systems (SMS), DRM, and related systems. The need for a manual outlining audit procedures specifically for DRM-based systems was identified by various stakeholders, such as IPTV operators, broadcasters, and auditors.
The draft manual includes provisions for auditing compliance with Schedule X requirements covering SMS, conditional access/encryption, fingerprinting, and STB/software applications. It also specifies the scope of work, documentary requirements, audit procedures, prescribed timelines, roles and responsibilities of the Distribution Platform Operator (DPO), the Broadcaster, and the Auditor during the audit process, and standard formats for vendor declarations, audit forms, and audit reports.
The Draft Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services DRM-based Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual, 2026 is available on TRAI's website (www.trai.gov.in). Stakeholders are invited to submit written comments, suggestions, or questions by October 30, 2026, via email to advbcs-2@trai.gov.in and jtadvbcs-3@trai.gov.in. For any clarification or information, Dr. Deepali Sharma, Advisor (B&CS), TRAI, can be contacted at advbcs-2@trai.gov.in or +91-11-20907774.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
