Government to look into security threats posed by Blackberry, Skype, Google

Encrypted data is not accessible to government agencies

PTI | July 19, 2010



The government today said it is looking into security threats posed by the services offered by Blackberry, Skype and Google in India and will initiate dialogue with them if required.

"We have commenced a process of examining the matter internally on what is required to address these issues (security concerns). As and when we find there is a necessity to hold discussions with service providers, we will do that," IT Secretary R Chandrashekhar said on the sidelines of a CII event.

The government had raised security concerns over the Blackberry devices, Skype and Gmail services, as the data going through their networks is encrypted and not accessible to security agencies here.

The government is also considering whether to amend IT laws to make it mandatory for such foreign companies that do not require a local licence to provide all the data required by Indian law enforcement agencies.

On amending the laws, he said, "We will see if any action is required on that front. As of now, we have not come to a conclusion that there is definitely some changes that are required on the legal front.

Along with security concerns, we have to keep in mind the way service providers operate globally, the way business is transacted and service is provided to the customers and whatever we do has to be consistent with both."

About the government's concern over the import of unbranded mobile phones in India, he said the DoT has already conveyed their concerns to the Department of IT and the DIT is willing to extend full support in this regard.

 

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