The government has prohibited communication infrastructure providers from sharing telecommunications-related data outside India, according to a new notification issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The directive applies to entities involved in critical digital infrastructure, including cloud-based telecom networks, mobile towers, satellite gateways and other communication service support systems. The move is aimed at ensuring that telecom data generated and managed within the country remains stored domestically.

Under the newly notified authorisation framework for infrastructure providers, the DoT has made it mandatory for authorised entities to keep all systems, logs and information linked to their telecommunications networks within India. The notification stated that every new authorised entity must ensure that "all systems of its telecommunication network and the data, logs and information associated with its telecommunication network shall be stored within India".

It further clarified that no copies of such data, logs or information can be routed, shared or made available outside the country. The directive is part of the government's broader strategy to move from the traditional telecom licensing system towards a lighter regulatory framework under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The new authorisation-based approach is designed to simplify compliance requirements while maintaining oversight of critical communication infrastructure and protecting sensitive telecom-related information.

Also Read: US Announces Fresh Tariffs On India And 59 Countries Citing Human Rights Issues

The framework allows several categories of infrastructure providers to seek authorisation at the national level. These include infrastructure providers, digital connectivity infrastructure providers, internet exchange point providers, satellite earth station gateway operators, cloud-hosted telecommunication network providers and mobile number portability service providers. By bringing these entities under a common authorisation structure, the government aims to create greater accountability across the country's expanding digital ecosystem.

The requirement for domestic data storage comes amid increasing global discussions around data sovereignty, cybersecurity and protection of critical digital infrastructure. Telecom networks handle vast amounts of sensitive information, including operational data, network logs and connectivity-related records. Governments worldwide have been introducing stricter rules on data handling to reduce security risks and ensure greater control over essential communication systems.

Industry stakeholders are expected to assess the impact of the new rules on operational practices, especially companies that rely on international cloud infrastructure or cross-border data management systems. While the government has emphasised the importance of data localisation for security and regulatory purposes, service providers may need to review their existing technology frameworks to ensure compliance with the updated requirements. The new authorisation regime marks another step in India's effort to strengthen oversight of its telecommunications sector while supporting the growth of digital connectivity.

Also Read: Rekha Gupta Launches 917 Modern Waste Collection Vehicles Across Delhi