Letters to The Editor — January 13, 2026

‘Security measures’

The Centre’s proposed ‘telecom security assurance requirements’ raise urgent questions of a balance between national security and consumer trust. While vulnerability analysis and malware scanning may strengthen defences, mandating access to source code risks undermining intellectual property and deterring innovation. Such intrusive measures could discourage global firms from investing in India, ultimately limiting consumer choice and competitiveness. Security cannot be achieved by eroding confidence in privacy or by creating bureaucratic choke points. Instead, transparent collaboration with industry, independent audits, and global best practices should guide policy. India must secure its digital ecosystem without stifling technological progress. Pragmatism demands safeguards that protect sovereignty and innovation.

K. Chidanand Kumar,

Bengaluru