Who installed mass surveillance system in breach of telecom act: IHC

ISLAMABAD - The Islamabad High Court (IHC) sought report from the federal government asking that who is responsible for installation of Lawful Interception Management System in breach of the provisions of the Telecom Act and the Fair Trial Act. Justice Sattar stated that in view of the law as laid down together with the unambiguous provisions of the Fair Trial Act, Telegraph Act, PECA, Telecom Act, and PPC, any surveillance being undertaken in breach of the Fair Trial Act is a criminal act. The Prime Minister and the members of his cabinet are individually and collectively responsible for the existence and operation of any mass surveillance system if it turns out that such surveillance is being or has been undertaken,” said the judge. The bench further directed that the Telecom Licensees will file compliance reports, stating that their networks cannot be accessed through Lawful Intercept Management System, by 05.07.2024. The IHC bench also directed a copy of this order will be communicated by PTA to all Telecom Licensees who have been required to provide access to their network through the Lawful Interception Management System for compliance.