DoT units seeking bulk call data record on routine basis

Some units of the telecom department are seeking huge call data records of people in some circles on a routine basis which is alleged to be in deviation from the standard operating procedure laid down by the government, according to sources. Industry players have raised concerns over such practices in a communication to the telecom secretary, sources said.

They claimed the DoT unit of Delhi demanded call data records (CDRs) of entire state for February 2, 3 and 4, 2020 and separately for specific routes in Delhi with residences of ministers, members of Parliament, Judge, important offices, etc, following which industry players gave representation before telecom secretary Anshu Prakash to raise concern on such practice.

“Telecom industry players have written to the telecom secretary that CDRs sought for specific routes and areas may lead to allegations of surveillance, especially in the state like Delhi having numerous VVIP zones having offices and residences of ministers, MPs, Judges etc,” a source aware of the communication said.