government is pulling the trigger on private detective agencies, vendors and companies, including public sector units (PSUs), who have been involved in illegal interception of phone calls or are running alternative unauthorised communications network for monitoring and interception.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has asked all such persons or firms to submit the details of equipment within 60 days or else face punishment of up to three years of jail term and a fine.
The department said it had come its notice that some private detective agencies, vendors and companies, including PSUs, were already maintaining or operating unauthorised communications network and importing these equipment for demonstration purpose to law enforcement agencies for short duration.
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Under the law, no equipment can be used for unauthorised monitoring, intercepting and surveillance of communication, a DoT notice said.
It said the government had the power to order interception of any telegraph message in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states. The telecom department is independently compiling information about such companies.