Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Indian government is reportedly considering a new hardware-based security monitor to keep a closer watch on satellite internet traffic handled by foreign service providers such as Elon Musk-owned Starlink. The proposed device would act as a security checkpoint between users in India and overseas satellite networks, allowing the government to monitor satellite internet traffic and keep it under tighter control to protect national security.
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According to a report by the Economic Times, the proposed security monitor is still under discussion among relevant government departments. The idea behind monitoring foreign satellite internet services is said to be in line with strengthening national security by ensuring that traffic handled by these companies passes through a dedicated hardware device. The device could be installed at a subscriber’s premises or at satellite ground stations, helping India maintain tighter control over satellite internet traffic.
“All satellite traffic will have to pass through this hardware,” an official told ET on condition of anonymity.
Why does the government want to monitor Starlink?
The government is concerned that satellite networks operated by foreign companies– for instance Elon Musk’s Starlink— could create security risks if they operate without the necessary domestic safeguards.
Unlike traditional broadband, satellite internet relies on networks of satellites and ground infrastructure to deliver connectivity. The government wants to ensure it has a way to oversee this traffic and address potential threats, particularly when communications become sensitive during a national security emergency or conflict.
According to the report, with the monitoring device, the government wants to establish a security layer that gives India greater control over traffic carried by foreign satellite operators.
As for development of the device, the Centre will reportedly work with public-sector research organisations experienced in communications. Some private companies may also be involved. However, the government is yet to finalise how the device will work or when it could be introduced.
The proposal to monitor traffic from foreign satellite internet services comes as Starlink continues to face regulatory hurdles in India. Government officials have previously said the company has not met certain requirements, including those related to domestic infrastructure. Elon Musk, meanwhile, has expressed frustration over the delays in bringing Starlink’s satellite internet services to India.
The government, however, maintains that all satellite internet providers must meet India’s security requirements before they can obtain spectrum and start services. The Centre has also rejected Starlink’s claims of discrimination, saying that Starlink, Eutelsat OneWeb and Reliance Jio’s satellite business are at the same stage of the approval process.
But India’s concerns are not limited to Starlink’s regulatory tussle with the government. According to the report, officials have also taken note of complaints involving the company in countries such as Iran, Namibia, South Africa and Ukraine. Iran, Namibia and South Africa have raised concerns about Starlink providing services without the required permissions. In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused the company of slowing internet speeds and hampering the country during its ongoing war with Russia.
International scrutiny of Starlink is also said to be one of the reasons behind India’s concerns. The government is reportedly wary of relying too heavily on a foreign satellite internet provider for critical services, particularly defence. Officials are concerned that decisions made by a private company could affect connectivity when it matters most, including during a conflict.
Meanwhile, several countries have their own satellite systems. Russia and China operate domestic satellite networks, while the European Union has Eutelsat OneWeb. India, too, is looking to build its satellite internet capabilities, with Reliance Jio expected to develop a low-Earth-orbit satellite constellation in the coming years.
Nevertheless, the proposed security monitor is still under discussion, and there is no final decision on its design or implementation. If the government moves ahead, it could introduce another security requirement for foreign satellite internet providers planning to operate in India.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
