Telecom Bill 2022: According to the proposal of the telecom bill 2022, apps that offer calling and messaging services, like WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype, and Google Duo, may soon need licenses to function in the nation. This could also mean that government will be able to intercept your chats and calls over these apps.
“For provision of Telecommunication Services and Telecommunication Networks, an entity shall have to obtain a license,” the draft bill released on Wednesday evening said. OTT Apps have been incorporated into the telecommunication service in the draft proposal.
Also Read: Gyanvapi Case: Court accepts plea from Hindus; Carbon Dating of the structure to start on this date
A clause to waive fees and penalties for telecom and internet service providers has been proposed by the government in the law. In the event that a telecom or internet provider renounces his license, the ministry has also suggested a provision for the reimbursement of costs.
Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw posted a link to the proposed Indian Telecom Bill 2022 on social media with the message, “Seeking your thoughts on the draft Indian Telecom Bill 2022.”
The draft will be open for public comment until October 20.
The proposal states that the federal government may , “waive in part or full any fee, including entry fees, license fees, registrations fees or any other fees or charges, interest, additional charges or penalty.” for any licensee or organisation that has registered in accordance with the telecom rules.
The proposed law would prohibit intercepting “press messages that are intended to be published in India” sent by correspondents recognised by the federal or state governments.
The draft specifies that the exemption will not be given, however, in the event of a national emergency or in the interest of everyone’s safety, the sovereignty, integrity, or security of India, or to maintain good relations with other countries, maintain public order, or stop incitement to crime.
According to the draught bill, in such cases, “any message or class of messages, to or from any person or class of persons, or relating to any particular subject, brought for transmission by, or transmitted or received by any telecommunication services or telecommunication network, shall not be transmitted, or shall be intercepted or detained or disclosed” to the authorised officer.
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER.
