New Delhi : To the relief of these players, over-the-top (OTT) services are no longer included in the Telecommunications Bill 2023’s definition of telecom services.
The amended bill removes from its scope over-the-top (OTT) services like digital payments, streaming services, online messaging apps like WhatsApp, and video-sharing websites like Skype.
Internet companies and other stakeholders engaged in intense debate over the previous draft version’s inclusion of OTT services within its scope.
Industry associations, internet companies, and startup founders engaged in a heated debate over a draft proposal by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on the selective prohibition of over-the-top (OTT) or Internet services.
Another clause in the bill requires telecom companies to obtain biometric information before granting SIM cards to individuals.
“Any authorised entity which provides such telecommunication services as may be notified by the Central government, shall identify the person to whom it provides telecommunication services through use of any verifiable biometric-based identification as may be prescribed,” the proposed legislation read.
The Bill was tabled amid uproar by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday afternoon in the Parliament.
The Telecommunication Bill 2023 empowers the government to suspend or prohibit use of telecom equipment from countries or a person as may be notified in case of national security.
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