#201: Telecommunications Bill 2023
Only post you need to read for this
Get last 15 years PYQs analysis for Prelims 2024 here
_____________________________________
Telecommunications Bill 2023 #UPSC
Indian Internet is set to change forever!😮
This post will teach you:
• Provisions
• Issues & concerns
• Industry reaction on bill
• Conclusion & Way forward
..and most importantly, it will help you Mains Answer writing & Prelims pointers!
First, the basics!
The bill replaces three old age laws:
a) Telegraph Act 1885
b) Indian Wireless Telegraph Act 1933
c) Telegraph Wires 1950
Okay, but what's the need?🤔
a) India needs newer laws with changing time & tech
National security, Kashmir, Pegasus, VPN and App bans call for a fresh look at digital laws!
b) It also is in sync with 2nd of PM's Panch Pran
"Remove any trace of colonial mindset"
c) Lastly, be mindful of Digital Public Infra push
I want you to think of this law in sync with likes of PM-WANI, Bharatnet, 6G Alliance, etc.
Second, dig deeper into the provisions
1. Emergency measures
Laid down for the govt. to take in interest of safety & security
This ranges from interception to encryption,
internet suspension to possession! 🙃
2. Allocation & Auction
Depending on the 'type' of demand,
spectrum allocation is a product of both auction & allocation
Allocation is for First Schedule companies indulged in:
• Security & Defense
• Disaster Management
• Law enforcement & science research
• Global Mobile Personal Communication w/ Satellites
Note: SpaceX (Elon Musk) and OneWeb pushed for allocation (over auction)
3. Other imp. pointers
• Stricter DND norms for consumers
• Comprehensive rules for cybersecurity
• Regulation of OTT apps with stricter provisions
• Appeals with a dedicated tribunal set up u/ the act
All of this sounds good! 🧐
What're issues and concerns here, CSEWhy?
The devil, as the activists claim, lies in the details
Third, the stated issues
• All users to be identified via "biometric based identification"
• Strict provisions on furnishing false particulars
This, as per activists, threatens the safety of whistle blowers & journalists operating u/ anonymity
• Broad undefined ambit of emergency powers to the central government
This is what activists said, okay!
Fourth, What is industry saying?🤔
1. Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA)
a) Relief from exorbitant tax burden
How? Telecom network is not part of property for taxes!
b) Uniform rules
Uniformity of rules across states in terms of 'right of way'
This addresses long pending demands of the industry to deploy infra on private property!
2. Indian Space Association
ISA is mindful of the growth opportunity with key focus on:
• Innovation
• Opportunities
• Global prospects
Fifth, Way Forward
Laws in India are an ever evolving process
We all know what happened to 66A in Shreya Singhal Case!
Conclusively,
• Revisit every 18-24 months to incorporate AI driven changes
• Necessitate Parliamentary Approval in national emergency
• Ensure transparency in the privacy concerns
_____________________________________
Learn 100+ Articles of Indian Constitution for #UPSC here
