Messaging Apps Must Comply with Security Rules: COAI

By By Rediff Money Desk, New Delhi
Aug 26, 2024 19:24
COAI urges messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to follow security rules similar to telecom operators, emphasizing the need for a level playing field and national security.
New Delhi, Aug 26 (PTI) Telecom operators expect internet calling and messaging apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, and Telegram to comply with rules in the same manner as all service providers do, industry body COAI said on Monday.

The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) -- whose members include Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, among others -- said it is misleading to demand to exclude over-the-top (OTT) communication apps from the Telecommunications Act 2023 as they are subject to other regulations because various non-sectoral rules apply on telecom operators as well.

"COAI would like to state that the 'Security of the Country' is of utmost importance and in this regard, all communication service providers, including OTT-based communication services, should adhere to the requisite directives of the country as done by the Telecom Service Providers," COAI Director General SP Kochhar said.

He said that telecom operators have invested heavily in setting up the infrastructure for lawful interception and monitoring.

"However, despite these investments, the unregulated application-based communications services completely bypass this apparatus, which is a big security threat to the nation," Kochhar said.

He said that the exponential growth of OTT services and unregulated proliferation of communication services is creating a heady mix of security threats, while also creating an uneven level playing field from the regulated and law-abiding service providers.

Kocchar said that some argue that OTT communication services should not be subject to the Telecom Act, 2023, claiming that they are already regulated under various legislations such as the IT Act, 2000, Indian Penal Code, 1860, Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and DPDP Act, 2023.

"This argument is completely misleading as the requirement pertains purely to regulatory oversight of communication services expressly covered under the Telecom Act, 2023. It is important to highlight that TSPs, which are governed by the Telecom Act, are also regulated by all the above legislations as prescribed by Parliament," Kochhar said.

Telecom operators have been demanding that the government should provide a level playing field by applying the same rules on calling and messaging apps as it is applicable to them.
Source: PTI
Read More On:
coaiwhatsappsecurity threatstelecom operatorslevel playing fieldtelegramgoogle meetmessaging appstelecommunications act 2023security rulesott communication serviceslawful interception
DISCLAIMER - This article is from a syndicated feed. The original source is responsible for accuracy, views & content ownership. Views expressed may not reflect those of rediff.com India Limited.

You May Like To Read

MORE NEWS

Neelkanth Realtors IPO: Sebi Filing, Details...

Neelkanth Realtors, a Mumbai-based real estate developer, files draft papers with Sebi...

India Launches New PLI Scheme for Steel Sector

India's government will launch a new round of the PLI scheme for the steel sector,...

Lower GST on Cement to Boost Demand: JK Lakshmi

JK Lakshmi Cement urges government to reduce GST on cement to 18% and implement...

ICAR Member Urges Modi to Appoint New Director...

An ICAR member calls for a new director general with global expertise to revitalize the...

NHAI Prepays Rs 56,000 Cr Loan, Saves Rs 1,200...

NHAI prepays Rs 56,000 crore in loans during FY25, reducing its debt liability and...

Crystal Crop Acquires Bayer's Ethoxysulfuron...

Crystal Crop Protection has acquired the herbicide active ingredient Ethoxysulfuron...

Punjab & Sind Bank Launches Instant Loan Scheme...

Punjab & Sind Bank is introducing an instant loan scheme for MSMEs up to Rs 25 lakh,...

Office Space Supply Falls in India's Top Cities...

India's top 8 office markets saw a 6% decline in new supply in 2024, despite record...

FMCG Makers Face Inflation: Volume Growth,...

FMCG companies anticipate a decline in gross margin and flat operating profit in Q3 due...

FPIs Pull Out Rs 4,285 Cr from Indian Equities...

Foreign investors pulled out Rs 4,285 crore from Indian equities in the first three...

Read More »

Sectoral Indices Market Indicators Listed Companies Gainers Losers Mutual Funds Portfolio Watchlist
© 2025 Rediff.com