The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a draft audit manual for digital rights management (DRM) based systems used by television distributors. The manual provides detailed procedures that broadcasters, IPTV operators and auditors must follow to ensure compliance with national regulations on digital television distribution.
The move addresses a gap in existing audit guidelines. While TRAI had released an audit manual in March 2026 for older systems like cable and satellite television, there was no equivalent guidance for the newer DRM-based systems used primarily for IPTV services. The new draft manual fills this void by spelling out exactly how these modern systems should be audited.
Key facts
- Released by TRAI on 9 October 2026
- Applies to DRM-based Digital Addressable Systems under Schedule X of the Interconnection Regulations, 2017
- Covers requirements for SMS, conditional access/encryption, fingerprinting, and STB/software applications
- Includes procedures for pre-signal/compliance audits and annual subscription audits
- Stakeholder comments invited until 30 October 2026
- Available at www.trai.gov.in
- Comments to be sent to advbcs-2@trai.gov.in and jtadvbcs-3@trai.gov.in
What the manual covers
The Draft Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services DRM-based Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual, 2026 sets out specific clause-by-clause procedures for verifying that DRM systems comply with Schedule X of the Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017. This schedule defines technical and operational requirements that IPTV distributors must meet.
The manual defines the scope of audit work, lists documents that auditors must examine, and prescribes the actual audit procedures to follow. It also sets out clear timelines within which audits must be completed, preventing indefinite delays in the audit process.
Roles and responsibilities
The manual clearly assigns roles to three parties: the Distribution Platform Operator (the company providing the TV service), the Broadcaster (the channel owner), and the Auditor (the independent firm conducting the audit). By defining who is responsible for what, the manual aims to eliminate confusion and disputes during audits.
It also provides standard formats for vendor declarations, audit forms and reports. Using common formats makes audits more transparent and easier to compare across different operators and broadcasters.
Background and need
Under the Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017, all television distributors must undergo annual audits of their digital systems. This requirement exists to protect consumers and ensure fair competition in the television market. Previously, TRAI had issued an audit manual for traditional cable and satellite systems. However, as IPTV services grew in India, operators using DRM-based systems found they had no clear guidance on how their systems should be audited.
Broadcasters, IPTV operators and audit firms all pointed out this gap. They asked TRAI to create a separate manual specifically for DRM-based systems, since these systems have different technical features and security requirements than older systems. TRAI has now prepared this draft manual in response.
What this means for you
If you subscribe to an IPTV service, this manual indirectly protects you. The audit procedures ensure that operators properly control access to channels (so you only view what you are entitled to), that your subscription data is handled fairly, and that operators do not manipulate what content you can see.
If you work in IPTV operations, broadcasting or audit, you should review the draft manual. It clarifies what you must do to comply with regulations and what auditors will check during inspections. This reduces uncertainty and helps you prepare your systems and records in advance.
What happens next
TRAI is inviting written comments and suggestions from all stakeholders until 30 October 2026. These should be sent preferably by email to advbcs-2@trai.gov.in or jtadvbcs-3@trai.gov.in. Comments must include detailed reasons, justification and relevant supporting data or evidence. After reviewing the feedback, TRAI will finalize the manual and make it mandatory for use in audits.