Norms for interception of calls and messages expected to be finalised by August end

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is looking to finalise the norms for interception and monitoring of phone calls and messages by August end, according to reports. An official source said that the body is reportedly working on making two amendments to the Indian Telegraph Act – for intercepting and monitoring through the government’s Central Monitoring System (CMS) and collecting, storing and analysing message pertaining to information of any nature by the Telegraph Authority.

New norms expected to be finalised by end of next month (Image credit: Getty Images)

First among these is the system that had been in the news recently – CMS. The system that started rolling out in April this year lets the government access all communication in the country, which includes online activities, phone calls, SMS, social media conversations and even the geographical location of individuals.

Using the Central Monitoring System, officials with the National Investigation Agency or tax officials will have access to "every byte of communication". It had been reported in the past too that while the system could play a big role in ensuring better security in the country, it was already giving sleepless nights to those championing the cause of privacy and Internet freedom in the country.

If sources are to be believed, then this system is expected to be activated in 10 of the 22 services in the country by December. The DoT has already submitted draft rules to the law ministry “for vetting”, the source added.

As for collecting, storing and analysing message pertaining to information of any nature by the Telegraph Authority, the source said, “The security wing of DoT will submit draft rule in consultation with Ministry of Home Affairs by July 31 to be approved by competent authority by August 31."

The source also added that the amendments to the Act are expected to be published in Gazette of India by the end of this year.

News sources