Centre mulls panel on phone-tap issue
Following concerns being raised over phone tapping in the 2G spectrum controversy, the Centre is considering setting up a telecom security commission consisting of representatives from ministry of home, department of telecommunications and telecom industry to address grievances of telecom service providers, tackle concerns of stakeholders concerned and ensure a follow-up action of its recommendations in connection to electronic surveillance by government agencies.
Further, taking cue from the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) of the United States which deals with electronic surveillance, the government is mulling bringing a standalone law next year wherein it would be made mandatory for anyone offering electronic services to give access to security agencies.
Through the new law, the government aims to preserve law enforcement’s ability to conduct lawfully authorised electronic surveillance while preserving public safety, people’s right to privacy and the telecommunications industry’s competitiveness. It will ensure that law enforcement agencies have all the resources to access to broadband Internet providers (ISP) and interconnected voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) providers.
The department of telecom is already in touch with the US authorities to understand the implementation of the provisions of CALEA
The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) of the US allows US federal agencies to monitor all telephone, broadband internet, and VoIP traffic in real-time. The CALEA defines the existing statutory obligation of telecommunications carriers to assist law enforcement in executing electronic surveillance pursuant to court order or other lawful authorisation. Currently, Indian security agencies access the telecom services under licensing agreement.
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