Telecommunications Bill, 2023 | Repackaging draconian legacy of colonial control & centralisation?
Channel: Internet Freedom Foundation
Date: 2023-12-19

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Reform ❌ Repackage ✔
The Bill misses an opportunity to reform draconian telecom suspension & surveillance powers – leaving the duration & manner of shutdowns and interception to delegated legislation without an anchoring criteria. 

As may be prescribed ✨✨
It suffers from excessive delegation by according the Union govt overbroad rule-making powers (a familiar pattern by now), incl. powers to exempt entities & uses, w/o adequate safeguards. At 46 instances, the Bill is left open to details that “may be prescribed”/“notified”. 

Search and Seziure 💀
Moreover, the Bill confers quasi-judicial powers to “authorised officers” appointed by the Union govt, incl. powers of search and seizure of unauthorised telecom equipment, and power to summon information, documents, & records pertaining to legal proceedings under the Bill.

Check our our full statement: https://x.com/internetfreedom/status/1736735111599534120?s=20


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