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Web-based calling and messaging apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Duo may soon need telecom licence

Apps that provide calling and messaging features such as Whatsapp, Zoom, Skype and Google Duo may soon require licences to operate in India, as per draft telecommunication bill 2022.

TN Tech Desk

Updated Sep 23, 2022, 14:09 IST

Apps like WhatsApp and Zoom may soon need telecom licence.

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Apps such as Whatsapp, Zoom, Skype and Google Dou that provide internet calling and messaging features may soon require licences to operate in India, as per the draft telecommunication bill 2022.

"For provision of Telecommunication Services and Telecommunication Networks, an entity shall have to obtain a license," the draft bill stated.

Additionally, the draft bill has included OTT Apps as part of the telecommunication service.

The bill proposes a provision to waive fees and penalties of telecom and internet service providers. Furthermore, the ministry has also proposed a provision for the refund of fees in case a telecom or internet provider surrenders his license.

"Seeking your views on the draft Indian Telecom Bill 2022," Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a post on a social media platform in which he also shared the link of the draft bill.

October 20 has been decided as the last date for public comment on the draft. As per the draft, the central government may, "waive in part or full any fee, including entry fees, license fees, registrations fees or any other fees or charges, interest, additional charges or penalty" for any licence holder or registered entity under the telecom rules.

The bill has also proposed to exempt "press messages that are intended to be published in India" of correspondents accredited to the central or state government from interception.

It is important to note that the exemption will not be granted in case of any public emergency or in the interest of the public safety, sovereignty, integrity or security of India, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, or to prevent incitement to an offence.

In such cases "any message or class of messages, to or from any person or class of persons, or relating to any particular subject, brought for transmission by, or transmitted or received by any telecommunication services or telecommunication network, shall not be transmitted, or shall be intercepted or detained or disclosed" to the authorized officer, according to the draft bill.

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