The government is putting in place a new system to allow blocking offensive and inflammatory content
through SMSes and MMSes in affected states and regions alone.
Once the security and technical challenges involved are overcome, there will be no need for the kind of nationwide ban imposed last week on bulk SMSes and MMSes following attempts to incite communal sentiments and create fear among Indians of Northeastern origin.
The telecom sector told the government it is losing nearly Rs300 crores following the nationwide curbs on SMSes and MMSes.
Home ministry officials said the DoT is examining ways for a possible 'regional ban' when only a few states are affected. In the past, the government had banned bulk SMSes in Jammu and Kashmir, but MHA officials claim it was not 'foolproof'.
“We hope telecom companies will give top priority to security concerns and build safeguards to enable us to impose a ban in restricted areas alone,” an official said.
To plug gaps in the telecom and cyber sectors, the government is putting in place a central monitoring system to intercept and stop suspected inflammatory material and other sensitive content being circulated in the country through SMSes and multi-media messages.
Accepting there was a slight delay in reacting to the 'SMS terror' spread last week, government sources said once the CMU, under the communications ministry, is in place, it will allow Central agencies to directly intercept phone calls and MMS across states.
It will also act as an umbrella unit responsible for coordinating with telecom companies and other stakeholders. “The unit will also ensure secrecy during lawful interception,” an official said.
Similar steps are being taken by the IT ministry to plug gaps in the cyber security structure.