In this age of information overload, how many of us stop to think about what information we're sharing. We all have many accounts on social networking websites, where we share cherished details of our lives. Very few of them are aware of the amount of people who can make use of this information and what can be done with it.
But most of these social networks have privacy settings that can help one keep their personal data secure. One can remain anonymous to a certain extent but what about mobile communications? How can one be sure that whatever one is communicating via mobile phone is secure?
As the age old saying goes, 'The walls have ears'. Can one really be certain that no one is listening in on one's phone conversations?
Recently the tapped phone conversations of Niira Radia, a corporate lobbyist with politicians, corporates, bureaucrats, and journalists played a main role in the investigations into the fraudulent allotment of the 2G spectrum.
So what is phone tapping? It means secretly listening and/or recording a communication channel in order to get information. In few countries it is called 'wire-tapping'. Phone tapping can only be done in an authorized manner with permission from the departments concerned. It is considered illegal if undertaken in an unauthorized way which may also result in prosecution of the person involved as it is considered to be an invasion of privacy.
In India both the Central and State governments have the right to tap phones under section 5 of the Indian Telegraphic Act of 1885. However all investigating agencies need to provide specific reasons before attaining permission to tap a phone line. They must also explain how tapping will help in further investigation of the case. For such purposes the investigating agencies must seek permission from the Home Ministry.
If the agency is granted permission to tap calls it then contacts the service provider of the mobile/telephone being used by the person. What is interesting to note here is that every service provider possesses the technology that is required for phone tapping. The service provider goes ahead with the specified task and provides the data to the investigating agency.
In April 2010, Indian opposition parties disrupted parliament asking questions about a report alleging the government secretly tapped the phones of top politicians. The government in the garb of tracking terror was tapping the phones of major politicians.
There is much talk in parliament about replacing the old laws about phone tapping to a new legislation which would prevent the invasion of an ordinary citizen's privacy. At the same time the legislation would recognize the right of the state to use the latest IT devices of interception to deal only with crime, Destruction and Surveillance.
But most of these social networks have privacy settings that can help one keep their personal data secure. One can remain anonymous to a certain extent but what about mobile communications? How can one be sure that whatever one is communicating via mobile phone is secure?
As the age old saying goes, 'The walls have ears'. Can one really be certain that no one is listening in on one's phone conversations?
Recently the tapped phone conversations of Niira Radia, a corporate lobbyist with politicians, corporates, bureaucrats, and journalists played a main role in the investigations into the fraudulent allotment of the 2G spectrum.
So what is phone tapping? It means secretly listening and/or recording a communication channel in order to get information. In few countries it is called 'wire-tapping'. Phone tapping can only be done in an authorized manner with permission from the departments concerned. It is considered illegal if undertaken in an unauthorized way which may also result in prosecution of the person involved as it is considered to be an invasion of privacy.
In India both the Central and State governments have the right to tap phones under section 5 of the Indian Telegraphic Act of 1885. However all investigating agencies need to provide specific reasons before attaining permission to tap a phone line. They must also explain how tapping will help in further investigation of the case. For such purposes the investigating agencies must seek permission from the Home Ministry.
If the agency is granted permission to tap calls it then contacts the service provider of the mobile/telephone being used by the person. What is interesting to note here is that every service provider possesses the technology that is required for phone tapping. The service provider goes ahead with the specified task and provides the data to the investigating agency.
In April 2010, Indian opposition parties disrupted parliament asking questions about a report alleging the government secretly tapped the phones of top politicians. The government in the garb of tracking terror was tapping the phones of major politicians.
There is much talk in parliament about replacing the old laws about phone tapping to a new legislation which would prevent the invasion of an ordinary citizen's privacy. At the same time the legislation would recognize the right of the state to use the latest IT devices of interception to deal only with crime, Destruction and Surveillance.
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