This week, 12 sections of the Telecommunications Act 2023 have come into force in India. While the outdated Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933 needed updating, the new regulations include a highly controversial clause that will affect the independence of India’s telecoms services. Although recent election results should protect operators from an overbearing state, for now. The most notable update will allow the government to take control of the telecom services on the pretense of public safety. Section 20 offers a wide and vague set of conditions under which authorities may control telecoms systems. “On the occurrence of any public emergency, including disaster management, or in the interest of public safety, the Central Government or…