Buzzbytes:New Delhi, Dec 18: The Telecommunication Bill 2023 was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Monday, empowering the government to suspend or prohibit the use of telecom equipment from specific nations or individuals in the interest of national security. As per the Bill, the government can notify standards and conformity assessment measures related to telecommunication equipment, identifiers, networks, and services, aligning with regulations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
The proposed legislation encompasses various facets, including the manufacture, import, distribution, and sale of telecommunication equipment; telecommunication security covering identification, analysis, and prevention of intrusion; cyber security for telecommunication services and networks; and encryption and data processing in telecommunication.
During specific scenarios like public emergencies, disaster management, or for public safety, the central government, state government, or designated officers can, through notification, temporarily take possession of telecommunication services or networks from authorized entities. The Bill also facilitates the establishment of mechanisms to prioritize message routing for user groups authorized for response and recovery during public emergencies.
This legislative initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fortify national security amid the dynamic landscape of telecommunications, providing a legal framework to address evolving challenges.
