Govt Proposes Law To Intercept Encrypted Messages On Platforms Like WhatsApp, Signal

New Delhi: A law with far-reaching consequences may soon be in place to bring over-the-top (OTT) communication services under a legal framework.

A draft Telecommunications bill uploaded by the Union government has proposed the introduction of a bill to enable interception of encrypted services like WhatsApp and Signal, the Hindustan Times reported.

According to definitions in the bill, telecommunication services include service of any description – including broadcasting services, electronic mail, voice mail, voice, video and data communication services, audiotex services, videotex services, fixed and mobile services, Internet and broadband services, satellite-based communication services.

It also includes Internet-based communication services, in-flight and maritime connectivity services, interpersonal communications services, machine to machine communication services, OTT communication services by telecommunication providers.

Any other service may be added that the government notifies as telecommunication services.

The Centre has sought public feedback on the draft.

According to the HT report, section 24 of the draft bill says the Central and state governments can “on the occurrence of any public emergency or in the interest of the public safety” — if it is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient to do so, in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity or security of India, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, or preventing incitement to an offence, for reasons to be recorded in writing, by order — direct that any message or class of messages, to or from any person or class of persons received by any telecommunication services shall not be transmitted, or shall be intercepted or detained or disclosed to the officer mentioned in such order.

The government will be empowered to intercept messages, calls on encrypted WhatsApp and Signal platforms.