Telecommunications Act, 2023

It aims to consolidate laws relating to development, expansion and operation of telecommunication services and networks.

This would subject them to similar regulations as traditional telecom services, potentially raising concerns about privacy and freedom of expression.

[5][6][7] The bill's provisions granting wide-ranging powers to the government, including suspension of services and equipment bans, have been criticized as giving excessive control and potentially jeopardizing fundamental rights like freedom of expression and privacy.

[8][9] Critics argue that the drafting and consultation process for the bill has been opaque and lacked sufficient involvement of key stakeholders, leading to concerns about its effectiveness and fairness.

[11] Provisions for interception and decryption of communications further add to worries about the protection of personal information and online privacy.