GUWAHATI: The Ministry of Home Affairs have authorised 10 government agencies with powers to intercept and monitor information on computer devices. The agencies can now intercept, monitor and decrypt of any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer.
Earlier, the government had authorised agencies to tap phone calls after permission from the Home Secretary.
The home ministry has authorised the agencies to intercept information under 69 (1) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 which says the central government can direct any agency after it is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient to do so in the "interest of the sovereignty or integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence relating to above or for investigation of any offence".
The ten agencies listed in the ministry order are:
· Intelligence Bureau
· Narcotics Control Bureau
· Enforcement Directorate
· Central Board of Direct Taxes
· Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
· Central Bureau of Investigation
· National Investigation Agency
· Cabinet Secretariat (R&AW)
· Directorate of Signal Intelligence (in Jammu and Kashmir, North-East and Assam only)
· Delhi Police Commissioner.
It just means any data on a computer can be intercepted and the agencies will have the power to seize the device, too.
Source: NDTV