The Indian government has authorized the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise key telecom-related powers during situations involving public safety or national emergencies, according to an official gazette notification issued on Thursday. The new order allows the L-G administration to take steps such as intercepting messages, suspending telecom services, blocking transmission signals, and ordering decryption of messages whenever authorities believe there is a threat to public safety or national security in the Union Territory.

The powers have been granted under Sub-Section 20(2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which deals with emergency measures related to telecom networks and communication systems.

The decision comes amid continued security concerns in the Union Territory, where internet shutdowns and telecom restrictions have often been used by authorities in the past during periods of heightened tension.

The L-G administration can now order telecom operators and service providers to temporarily suspend internet and communication services, intercept signals or messages, and even seek decryption of communications if required in the interest of public safety. The next steps will involve the implementation of these powers by the L-G administration, with officials saying these powers can be used during situations such as security threats, public unrest, or any event considered a national emergency.