The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) yesterday released a draft audit manual for Digital Rights Management (DRM)-based television distribution systems and invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders by October 30.

According to TRAI, the draft manual aims to provide detailed procedures for checking whether DRM-based systems comply with existing broadcasting and cable service regulations, particularly the requirements under Schedule X of the Interconnection Regulations.

Under the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations, 2017, distributors of television channels are required to conduct annual audits of their Digital Addressable Systems (DAS), including Conditional Access Systems (CAS), Subscriber Management Systems (SMS), DRM and other related systems.

TRAI had issued a separate Digital Addressable Systems Audit Manual on March 10, 2026. However, stakeholders, including IPTV operators, broadcasters and auditors, highlighted the need for a similar manual specifically for DRM-based systems.

The new draft manual has been prepared to explain how auditors should check compliance with Schedule X, which mainly covers DRM-based systems used for IPTV distribution services. It is intended to serve as a guidance document for stakeholders during audits.

The proposed manual includes procedures for checking subscriber management systems, conditional access and encryption, fingerprinting, and set-top boxes and software applications.

The salient features of the Draft DRM Audit Manual include the following:

# A dedicated clause-wise procedure to verify compliance with Schedule X, covering DRM requirements for SMS, conditional access/encryption, fingerprinting, and STB/software applications.

# Scope of work, documentary requirements and audit procedures for pre-signal/compliance audit and the annual Subscription audit.

# Prescribed timelines for completion of audits. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities of the distribution platform operator, broadcaster and auditor during the audit process.

# Standard formats for vendor declarations, audit forms and audit reports.

In addition, the draft sets timelines for completing audits and defines the roles and responsibilities of DPOs, broadcasters and auditors.