DoT formulates the Indian Telegraph (Infrastructure Safety) Rules 2022
The Central government has envisioned fulfilling the communication needs of the citizens and enterprises through establishment of a resilient, secure, accessible and affordable Digital Communications Infrastructure and Services. The Press Information Bureau has publicised these Rules by its bulletin dated 6th January, 2023. In order to address the issues of safety to the existing telecom infrastructure, the Government has formulated the Indian Telegraph (Infrastructure Safety) Rules, 2022 published in the Gazette of India on 3rd January, 2023.
MeitY notifies on UIDAI provision for online address update in Aadhaar based on relationship with ‘Head of Family’
The HoF-based online address update in Aadhaar is intended to help the relative(s) of a resident such as the children, spouse, parents, etc, who lack supporting documents in their own name to update their address in their Aadhaar. The applicant is required to submit documentary proof of relationship such as a Ration Card, Marksheet, Marriage Certificate, Passport, etc.. The document should mention the names of both the applicant and HOF and the relationship between them.
TRAI releases Recommendations on “Renewal of Multi-System Operators (MSOs) Registration”
After considering all comments/counter-comments received from stakeholders during consultation process and further analysis of the issues, the Authority has finalized its recommendations. The renewal of MSO registration should be done for a period of 10 years. The Authority recommends that at the time of renewal, the processing fee should be kept as Rs. 1 Lakh.
TRAI Consultation Paper on “Introduction of Calling Name Presentation (CNAP) in Telecommunication Networks” open for comments
Keeping in view the requests of industry associations for extension of time for submission of comments, it has been decided to extend the last date for submission of written comments and counter comments upto 17.01.2023 and 31.01.2023 respectively. The comments & counter comments may be sent to Shri Akhilesh Kumar Trivedi, Advisor (Network, Spectrum & Licensing), TRAI, preferably in electronic form on atadvmn@trai.gov.in.
Reforms in Telecom Sector
Government has approved various structural and procedural reforms in the telecom sector and is implementing various schemes/projects under Universal Service Obligation Fund.
Recommendations on Improving Telecom Connectivity/Infrastructure in remote areas of Himachal Pradesh
Press release regarding Recommendations on Improving Telecom Connectivity/Infrastructure in remote areas of Himachal Pradesh.
TRAI releases Consultation Paper on “Data Communication Services between Aircraft and Ground Stations provided by Organizations other than Airports Authority of India”
In this regard, the present Consultation Paper been placed on TRAl’s website (www.trai.gov.in). It seeks inputs from stakeholders in the form of written comments by 9th January 2023 and counter comments by 23rdJanuary 2023. The comments/ counter-comments may be sent at advmn@trai.gov.in. These may be sent preferably in electronic form.
MeiTY notifies the Mandatory Verification of Social Media Accounts
An intermediary under the Information Technology Rules, 2021 must perform prescribed due diligence. The due diligence is aimed at ensuring an Open, Safe Trusted, and Accountable Internet by addressing the risk posed by fake accounts. Furthermore, to address the potential damage due to fake accounts, it is reiterated that section 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000 penalizes cheating by impersonating. Such impersonation may be by means of any communication device or computer resource.
Government measures for Curbing of Obscenity and Vulgarity on Social Media Networks
To help achieve the aim of making Internet Open, Safe and Trusted and Accountable and to strengthen the mechanism to deal with such cybercrimes in a coordinated manner, the Central Government, in exercise of powers conferred by the IT Act, has made the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. These rules cast specific obligation on intermediaries, including social media intermediaries, to observe due diligence and provide that if they fail to observe such due diligence, they shall no longer be exempt from their liability under law for third-party information or data or communication link hosted by them.
Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022
The bill shall provide the security practices and procedures that a body corporate or any person collecting, receiving, possessing, storing, dealing or handling information on behalf of the body corporate is required to observe for protecting personal data of users.
