DoT asks Meta and X to remove content that violates Telecom Act

New Delhi: Social media companies Meta, X, and Instagram have been instructed by the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) to take down any content or apps that violate the Telecommunication Act of 2023.

"It has been brought to the notice of DoT that an influencer has used a social media platform to tell people how to change their Calling Line Identification (CLI) number while making calls so that the called party sees some other number. Technically this is tampering with telecommunication identification and is called CLI spoofing," said DoT releasing an advisory.

The Telecommunications Act of 2023 explicitly forbids tampering with telecommunication identification in Section 42(3)(c).

Additionally, Section 42(3)(e) forbids using fraud, deception, or impersonation to obtain subscriber identity modules or other telecommunication identification. Notwithstanding everything stated in the 1973 Code of Criminal Procedure, Section 42(7) of the aforementioned Act stipulates that such offences are cognizable and not subject to bail.

Under Section 42(3), such offences carry a maximum sentence of three years in prison, a maximum fine of fifty lakh rupees, or both.

The advice emphasised that Section 42(6) of the Act mandates that individuals who aid and abet any offence under the Act would likewise face the same penalties.

All social media and application hosting platforms have been urged by the department to abide by this guidance and report compliance by February 28, 2025.