The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has unveiled a significant provision in the draft of the Bill on Information Technology and Cyber Security aimed at safeguarding confidentiality in electronic communications.
Under the proposed legislation, Section 89, Subsection 1 states that individuals are prohibited from accessing, disclosing, or distributing personal information or correspondence transmitted electronically without proper authorization.
Furthermore, Subsection 2 of Section 89 prohibits the use of mechanical devices to intercept electronic communications between individuals unless authorized by law or by an authorized officer following a complaint. Additionally, recording such communications without consent is strictly prohibited.
Exceptions to this regulation are provided for public speeches or statements. However, any interception, recording, or monitoring of electronic communications must adhere to prevailing laws.
Penalties for violations of these provisions may include fines of up to three lakh rupees or imprisonment for a maximum of three years, or both.
The proposed measures aim to protect the privacy and confidentiality of electronic communications while ensuring compliance with legal standards.
