India: Introduced the Indian Telecommunications Bill 2023 including emergency communications powers

On 18 December 2023, the Telecommunications Bill 2023, including emergency communications powers, was introduced to the Lower House of Parliament. The Bill aims to establish a system to respond to public emergencies and situations in the interest of public safety. The government will be empowered to take temporary control of telecommunications services and networks to ensure efficient response and communication during such emergencies. Furthermore, a mechanism can be established to prioritize communications from authorized users or user groups who respond and assist in emergency situations. In accordance with prescribed procedures and subject to specified safeguards and written justification, certain communications may not be transmitted, intercepted, detained, or disclosed in intelligible form, or certain telecommunications services may be suspended. Press releases from accredited correspondents may only be intercepted or detained if their transmission is prohibited under these provisions. Under the Bill, such measures must be limited in time and carried out in a prescribed manner. The Telecommunications Bill of 2023 is currently up for vote in the lower house. If passed, it will then be subject to a vote in the Upper House of the Indian Parliament.