human development

Various government agencies are learnt to have legally tapped around 10000 phones across the country.

As per data collected by the agencies for the meeting of a high-level commitee comprising cabinet secretary, telecom secretary,and law secretary, sources said  around 4,500 phones were tapped in August in addition to more thn 5000 phones that were already being tapped.

Sources added that the interception is ordered by various intelligence agencies, police forces and the Army. It is also learnt that nearly 1,200 wmail addresses were monitored under the Indian Telegraph Act.

The committee has also cleared a fresh request for monitoring around 500 email,s sources added. The panel rejected 17 request and demanded clarification on the issue of public emergency for fresh interception.

INTELLIGENCE BUREAU MONITORS ABOUT 6K PHONES

The Intelligence Bureau monitors nearly 6000 phones as per data collected by government agencies. Over 2000 requests by the IB were made in August alone. The Arm's Signal Intelligences is tapping over 1100 phones of which 577 requests were made in August while 527 were already being intercepted by it, sources said.

"Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, which had over 160 phones under its scanner, has made a request for intercepting 350 phones during the month,' sources said.