The government of India has proposed a new law that would intercept encrypted messages on instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal.
According to experts, this technically means the rejection of end-to-end encryption, which is used by default in many messengers, including the ones listed above. This feature blocks anyone except the sender and receiver from reading the conversation.
In the bill, telecommunication services are defined as anything to do with broadcasting, email, voice mail, videotex and audiotex services, internet services. In addition, it also includes internet-based communication services including over-the-top (OTT) communication services like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram.
The government can add any other service that the central government may notify to be telecommunication services. It has sought public feedback on the draft.
The interception will also cover voice and video calls made over such applications, as the government defines messages to include “data stream or intelligence or information intended for telecommunication”.
The bill, if implemented in its current form, will have far-reaching effects on the industry that now prioritises user safety and data privacy.
A section 24 of the draft states that the state and/or central government may circumvent encryption "on the occurrence of any public emergency or in the interest of the public safety" — if it is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient to do so, in the interest of the sovereignty or security of India, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, or preventing incitement to an offence, for reasons to be recorded in writing.
Source: The Hindustan Times
