NEW DELHI: India has tightened its digital security framework, mandating stricter compliance for telecom equipment, CCTV systems and data protection, amid heightened concerns over vulnerabilities in surveillance infrastructure and emerging espionage risks flagged by recent investigations.The move comes against the backdrop of long-standing concerns over the widespread use of imported CCTV equipment -particularly from Chinese manufacturers-in critical and public surveillance networks. These concerns have sharpened after security agencies recently stumbled upon Pakistan-linked espionage modules operating within India, raising fresh questions about potential exploitation of unsecured surveillance systems.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran war82nd Airborne Division to be deployed in Middle East: Inside America’s fastest strike force that once stormed Nazi-occupied France’Lack of permission’: Iran turns back Pakistan-bound ship trying to pass through Strait of HormuzGlobal precedents have also underscored the risks. Security experts have pointed to instances such as Israel’s reported targeting of Iranian leadership, where infiltration of urban surveillance networks, including traffic cameras, enabled real-time tracking of high-value targets.Against this backdrop, the govt has notified mandatory Essential Requirements (ERs) for CCTV systems in the Indian market. The rules require disclosure of the origin of critical hardware components such as system-on-chip (SoC), testing against vulnerabilities that allow unauthorised remote access, and certification through accredited labs. So far, 507 CCTV models have been certified under these norms.Govt departments have been barred from procuring CCTV equipment that does not meet these standards, with ministries advised to secure existing video surveillance networks .At a broader level, the legal backbone has been strengthened through the Telecommunication Act, 2023 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2022. The earlier National Security Directive on Trusted Sources (2021) mandates procurement of telecom equipment only from approved vendors. Officials said it emphasized the growing importance of securing interconnected digital infrastructures .End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Not A ‘Broker’ Like Pak: Jaishankar Tells Leaders At All-Party Meet Amid Iran Mediation Buzz’No Locus Standi To Comment’: India Rejects Pakistan’s Remarks On Asiya Andrabi’s Life SentenceIran Dictates Endgame:Demands Closure Of US Bases In Gulf, Lifting Of Sanctions, Control Over HormuzCentre Pushes PNG: LPG Supply May Be Stopped Where Pipelines Are AvailableWomen’s Quota Bill: What Are The Big Challenges Modi Govt Is Likely To FaceIran Denies Permission To Pakistan-Bound Ship Trying To Cross Hormuz As Indian Ships Sail ThroughDelhi Deputy CM Parvesh Verma Calls Arvind Kejriwal Rehman Dakait In Assembly, Sparks Political RowAmid Hormuz Disruption, India Locks 60 Million Barrels Of Russian Oil To Secure Energy Supply’India And UK Are Now AI Superpowers’, Says Rishi Sunak As India Overtakes UK In Global RankingsOil, War, And A Phone Call: PM Modi Draws India’s Red Line At Strait Of Hormuz In Talks With Trump123Photostories10 strange scientific theories sound absurd today, but scientists once believed themInside Bigg Boss OTT 3 fame Armaan Malik’s lavish lifestyle: From an estimated Rs 100 crore net worth to his impressive luxury car collectionBuying lab-grown gold? 5 things you should know before you invest9 traditional dishes to enjoy in Ram Lalla’s Ayodhya Nagri this Ram Navmi9 largest eagles in the world and what makes them uniqueFeeling full too quickly while eating? Gastroenterologists explain the hidden causes, warning signs, and what you can do to improve digestionFrom being unable to become a cricketer to ‘Dhurandhar’ filmmaker: Aditya Dhar’s inspiring journeyHeart attack prevention guide: Daily habits, diet changes, and medical checks that can save your life7 healthy office snacks to keep handy during summer months with minimum efforts5 cars known for their multiple driving modes for every terrain123Hot PicksKaroline LeavitTristan da Cunha8th Pay CommissionGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingStock market today8th Pay CommissionVanessa TrumpArnold Schwarzenegger’s sonUS Army EnlistmentZohran MamdaniNirav RanaWest Bengal ElectionLPG crisis reasonTransgender law
NEW DELHI: India has tightened its digital security framework, mandating stricter compliance for telecom equipment, CCTV systems and data protection, amid heightened concerns over vulnerabilities in surveillance infrastructure and emerging espionage risks flagged by recent investigations.The move comes against the backdrop of long-standing concerns over the widespread use of imported CCTV equipment -particularly from Chinese manufacturers-in critical and public surveillance networks. These concerns have sharpened after security agencies recently stumbled upon Pakistan-linked espionage modules operating within India, raising fresh questions about potential exploitation of unsecured surveillance systems.Global precedents have also underscored the risks. Security experts have pointed to instances such as Israel’s reported targeting of Iranian leadership, where infiltration of urban surveillance networks, including traffic cameras, enabled real-time tracking of high-value targets.Against this backdrop, the govt has notified mandatory Essential Requirements (ERs) for CCTV systems in the Indian market. The rules require disclosure of the origin of critical hardware components such as system-on-chip (SoC), testing against vulnerabilities that allow unauthorised remote access, and certification through accredited labs. So far, 507 CCTV models have been certified under these norms.Govt departments have been barred from procuring CCTV equipment that does not meet these standards, with ministries advised to secure existing video surveillance networks .At a broader level, the legal backbone has been strengthened through the Telecommunication Act, 2023 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2022. The earlier National Security Directive on Trusted Sources (2021) mandates procurement of telecom equipment only from approved vendors. Officials said it emphasized the growing importance of securing interconnected digital infrastructures .
