India, Feb. 12 -- The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has now authorised 'head of police department' of Union Territories to intercept calls and messages under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

In an order dated December 16, 2024, the DoT has added 'Head of Police department of concerned Union Territory' to the list of 'authorised agencies'.

The nine central agencies that could already intercept calls and messages are: Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, Central Board of Direct Taxes, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, Research and Analysis Wing/Cabinet Secretariat, and Directorate of Signal Intelligence in the defence ministry (...