Telecom security policy of India is an area that does not require much introduction. Its importance for India is also well known. However, despite it being a very crucial and national policy issue, telecom security in India never received much attention of Indian government. The only time Indian government considered telecom security of India is when security and intelligence agencies of India raise objections regarding various hardware and software imports to India.
The new telecom policy of India 2011 is in pipeline and here lies some chances to improve the telecom security of India. A Telecom Security Council of India has also been proposed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) that would look into security related aspects of hardware and network equipments.
In the past as well suggestions for the establishment of Telecom Security Regulatory Authority of India (TSRAI) were given. However, till now no steps have been taken in this regard.
Indian Government must clear its head regarding crucial issues like Encryption Standards, Network Sniffing, E-Mails Sniffing, Mobile Phones Interceptions, Cell Phone Data Usages, etc, says Praveen Dalal, managing partner of Perry4Law. It is high time for India to enact a Comprehensive Legislation in this regard, suggests Dalal.
Telecom security is an idea whose time has come. It would be a good idea if DoT starts working on this crucial aspect as soon as possible.
