C-DoT submits prototype of tapping system

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) – a telecom research and development organisation – has submitted a prototype of a system that would allow the government to monitor phone conversations while maintaining confidentiality.

The system would help the government centralise its phone-tapping method. The agency, however, declined to share technical details, as it was a high-security project.

According to sources in C-Dot, the new system would facilitate efficient surveillance for the government. It would also help it centralise the complete monitoring system.

The first phase of the project is complete. The telecom research organisation is now working on the second phase.

Currently, the country does not have a centralised monitoring system for voice calls on mobile phones, landlines and the internet.

The present system of surveillance is managed by individual operators. A phone is usually tapped for call details when a law enforcement agency asks them to do so.

The project, which started in early 2009 with a government grant of '400 crore for the first phase, was conceived to monitor messages and conversations.

However, the use of such a system of surveillance may spark debates on privacy infringement by government agencies.

Already, the taped and released telephonic conversations between Niira Radia and several politicians, journalists and industrialists have caused furore among privacy experts and anti-surveillance activists.