The government introduced the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, in Lok Sabha, aiming to grant authorities temporary control over telecom services in the interest of national security or public safety. The bill allows the government to take temporary possession of telecom networks in the event of a public emergency. It empowers the central government or state government, or an authorized officer, to intercept messages and stop transmission to prevent offenses or threats during public emergencies. The bill also proposes the administrative allocation of spectrum to satellite communications companies, rejecting the auction method advocated by domestic telecom players like Jio and Vodafone Idea.
The bill defines telecommunication services, including the temporary takeover of networks, during public emergencies. It outlines measures to prevent incitement to commit offenses and ensures the interception of messages aligns with rules applicable for public emergencies or public order. Additionally, the bill specifies that press messages from accredited correspondents shall not be intercepted unless prohibited by relevant rules. The proposed administrative allocation of spectrum for satellite communications adheres to global demand while excluding internet-based messaging and calling apps from telecom laws, placing them under IT rules. This move concludes the ongoing consultation process around over-the-top apps by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). The bill also addresses concerns about privacy and classification as a Money Bill.
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