On December 18, the Indian government introduced the draft of the Indian Telecommunications Bill, 2023.
This proposed bill aims to replace the current rules governing the telecommunications sector.
Let's explore the key points of the India Telecommunications Bill (ITB), 2023.
The government can temporarily control telecom services if there is a national security concern.
The bill allows the government to stop messages and transmissions in emergencies to protect the public and prevent crimes.
The bill aims to make positive changes in the telecom sector, according to Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Telecom companies will now need to use biometric identification before giving out SIM cards to users.
The bill focuses on safeguarding users from harmful and unwanted messages.
The government can take control of networks and the internet for national security reasons. The government can regulate and license Over-the-Top (OTT) services like Whatsapp, Signal, and Gmail.
The bill faces criticism for its potential impact on internet shutdowns, penalties for users, and the broader context of increasing state power in India.