India Introduces Telecom Cybersecurity Rules for Enhanced Safety

The Ministry of Communications has announced the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024, introducing robust measures to strengthen telecom security. Under these regulations, operators must report cybersecurity incidents to the government within six hours and establish Security Operations Centres for real-time monitoring and threat response.

The rules mandate the appointment of Chief Telecommunication Security Officers to enforce compliance, and manufacturers must register device identifiers, such as IMEI numbers, to curb fraud. Tampering with such identifiers is prohibited, with violators facing device blocking or service bans.

In addition, the government or authorized agencies can collect and analyze telecom data, excluding content, to enhance cyber defenses. Stringent privacy safeguards ensure this data is used solely for cybersecurity purposes. These measures aim to fortify the telecom sector against evolving threats while fostering user trust in digital communications.