New Delhi

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced on Friday that the New Telecom Act 2023, which went into partial force on June 26, safeguards telecom networks while strengthening protections for citizen privacy.

The Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraph Act of 1933 are superseded by the Act.

DoT stated on X that TelecomAct2023 improves privacy protections for citizens while preserving telecom networks.

The new law also introduced a provision to set restrictions on such extraordinary actions in order to improve citizens’ privacy, while retaining all of the prior law’s interception and suspension powers.

Rules for the production, importation, and retailing of telecom equipment are established under the passed Telecommunications Act. It also establishes guidelines for protecting telecom networks.

It identifies essential communication infrastructure, requires security updates, and controls telecom equipment and services for the sake of public health and safety, disaster relief, and other related issues.

The DoT stated that the Act keeps the same uniform possession and monitoring restrictions as the previous Act. The Uncovered Villages Project, which attempts to improve telecom access in historically underserved areas, received an update from the DoT in the meantime.