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{{Short description|Act of the Parliament of India}}

{{Infobox legislation
| short_title = Telecommunications Act, 2023
| legislature = [[Parliament of India]]
| long_title = An Act to amend and consolidate the law relating to development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and telecommunication networks; assignment of spectrum; and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
| citation = [https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/20101 Act No. 44 of 2023]
| territorial_extent = {{IND}}
| enacted_by = [[Lok Sabha]]
| date_passed = 20 December 2023
| passed = 20 December 2023
| enacted_by2 = [[Rajya Sabha]]
| date_passed2 = 21 December 2023
| assented_by = [[President of India]]
| date_assented = 25 December 2023
| date_commenced =
| bill_history_url = https://prsindia.org/billtrack/the-telecommunication-bill-2023
| bill = Telecommunications Bill, 2023
| bill_citation = Bill No. 194 of 2023
| passed_for = Majority (Voice Vote)
| passed_against = Minority (Voice Vote)
| introduced_by = [[Ashwini Vaishnaw]]
| date_introduced = 18 December 2023
| passed2 = 21 December 2023
| passed2_for = Majority Voice
| passed2_against = Minority Voice
| repeals = {{ubl|[[Indian Telegraph Act, 1885]]|Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933}}
| status = in force
}}

The '''Telecommunications Act, 2023''' (Act No. 44 of 2023) is an act of the [[Parliament of India]] to replace the [[Indian Telegraph Act, 1885]]. It aims to consolidate laws relating to the development, expansion and operation of [[Telecommunications service|telecommunication services]] and networks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sansad.in/ls|title=Digital Sansad|first=National Informatics|last=Centre|website=Digital Sansad}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-policy/ashwini-vaishnaw-tables-telecommunications-bill-2023-in-lok-sabha/articleshow/106081142.cms|title=Telecommunications Bill 2023 tabled in Lok Sabha|newspaper=The Economic Times |date=December 18, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/telecom-bill-2023-what-powers-government-national-security-9073347/|title=Telecom Bill 2023: What powers it gives the government for 'national security'|date=December 18, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/government-telecommunication-bill-union-minister-ashwini-vaishnaw-services-national-security-parliament-2477278-2023-12-18|title=Telecom Bill allows Centre to take over, suspend services over 'national security'|website=India Today|date=18 December 2023 }}</ref>

== Background and timeline ==
On 20 December 2023, the Telecommunications bill, 2023 was passed by the [[Lok Sabha]].

On 21 December 2023, the Telecommunications bill, 2023 was passed in the [[Rajya Sabha]].

The Bill replaces the [[Indian Telegraph Act, 1885|Indian Telegraph Act of 1885]] with a comprehensive framework for the telecom sector.

The key provisions of the Bill are:

1. Regulation of OTT Services: The bill proposes to bring [[Over-the-top media services in India|over-the-top (OTT)]] services under the definition of telecommunications. This would subject them to similar regulations as traditional telecom services, potentially raising concerns about privacy and freedom of expression.

2. Government powers: The bill grants the government wide-ranging powers, including the ability to:

* Suspend or prohibit use of telecom equipment from countries or individuals for national security reasons.
* Take over, manage, or suspend any or all telecommunication services or networks in the interest of national security.
* Waive entry fees, license fees, penalties, etc., to promote consumer interests, market competition, or national security.

3. Spectrum allocation: The bill introduces a new system for allocating [[spectrum]] for [[Satellite Internet access|satellite broadband services]]. This could potentially benefit rural areas and bridge the [[digital divide]].

4. Other provisions: The bill also includes provisions for:

* Promoting research and development in the telecom sector.
* Protecting consumer rights and ensuring data privacy.
* Facilitating the deployment of new technologies like [[5G]].

== Reactions ==
Concerns have been raised about the potential for government overreach and [[Censorship in India|content censorship]], as the bill grants broad powers to regulate [[Web content|online content]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/telecom/new-telecom-bill-set-to-approve-administrative-allocation-for-satellite-broadband-services-11702876066350.html|title=Telecom bill to okay administrative allocation for satellite broadband services|first=Gulveen|last=Aulakh|date=December 18, 2023|website=mint}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/new-telecom-bill-will-allow-centre-to-take-over-suspend-mobile-network-for-public-safety/articleshow/106086186.cms?from=mdr|title=New Telecom Bill will allow Centre to take over, suspend mobile network for public safety|newspaper=The Times of India |date=December 18, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/telecom-bill-introduced-in-parliament-more-powers-to-the-government/article67649897.ece|title=Telecom Bill introduced in Parliament, vests more powers with government|first=S. Ronendra|last=Singh|date=December 18, 2023|website=BusinessLine}}</ref>

The bill's provisions granting wide-ranging powers to the [[Government of India|government]], including suspension of services and equipment bans, have been criticized as giving excessive control and potentially jeopardizing fundamental rights like [[Freedom of expression in India|freedom of expression]] and privacy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/politics/story/parliament-winter-session-ashwini-vaishnaw-introduces-telecommunications-bill-2023-in-lok-sabha-409865-2023-12-18|title=Parliament winter session: Ashwini Vaishnaw introduces Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in Lok Sabha|date=December 18, 2023|website=Business Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tabled-in-lok-sabha-telecommunications-bill-seeks-to-regulate-all-online-services-101702885460777.html|title=Tabled in Lok Sabha, Telecommunications Bill seeks to regulate all online services|date=December 18, 2023|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref> Critics argue that the drafting and consultation process for the bill has been opaque and lacked sufficient involvement of key stakeholders, leading to concerns about its effectiveness and fairness.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/law/telecom-bill-to-be-tabled-lok-sabha-winter-session-key-highlights|title=Parliament Winter Session: New Telecom Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha Amid Ruckus|first=Karan|last=Mahadik|date=December 18, 2023|website=TheQuint}}</ref>

The bill's data localization requirements, which mandate storing user data within India, raise concerns about potential misuse and surveillance by the government or third parties.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livelaw.in/top-stories/telecommunications-bill-lok-sabha-money-bill-privacy-244849|title=Telecommunications Bill 2023 Introduced In Lok Sabha With Money Bill Classification|first=Awstika|last=Das|date=December 18, 2023|website=www.livelaw.in}}</ref>

Provisions for interception and decryption of communications further add to worries about the protection of personal information and online privacy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scroll.in/latest/1060756/new-telecom-bill-will-allow-centre-to-take-over-suspend-services-for-national-security|title=New Telecom Bill will allow Centre to take over, suspend services for 'national security'|author=Scroll Staff|date=December 18, 2023|website=Scroll.in}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Telecommunications billing systems]]
[[Category:Acts of the Parliament of India 2023]]

Telecommunications Act, 2023 - Revision history

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