Pegasus and laws of surveillance in India

The re-emergence of Pegasus has brought us back to the drawing table, forcing us to understand what the laws have to say about it. Alleged reports of Pegasus being used came to light a few months back, raising privacy concerns once again.

NSO Group has repeatedly denied these allegations, saying it only sells the software to government entities. In fact, selling spyware like Pegasus requires the buyer to obtain an export license from the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

What the laws state

As per the law, communication surveillance in India functions under two laws; the archaic Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Information Technology Act, 2000.