The Information Technology Act-2000 was the first specific legislation in India addressing the needs of the emerging Digital Age.This Act focussed on providing a statutory base for Digital Contracts besides defining some aspects of Cyber crime management.

The administrative powers under the Act have been vested with the "Controller". The Powers originate from the Ministry of Information  Technology and flow thrugh  the Cyber Regulations Advisory Committee.

Even though the Ministry of Information Technology itself is a new creation, there is already some doubt about its continued existence. The Ministry of Telecommunications has been feeling that they have been left out of action in the IT field and is trying to have its say. The convergence of Internet and broadcasting has also brought in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting into the regulatory picture.

In order to administer the three fields, there has been a move to form a "Super Regulatory Authority". Probably this may draw powers from the proposed Communications Bill.

While there can be no two views on the need for integrated approach to IT, Telecom and Broadcasting in an economy where the three fileds have a close symbiotic relationship, the known penchant of our politicians and bureacrats to usurp power  and encash it through corrupt practices makes one wonder whether the need for integration would be misused to create a super power center.

When the TRAI was formed, there was a clash between the authority and the Government on many issues. It is perhaps this experience which prompted the Ministry of Information Technology to install a puppet "Secretaries Club" as the Cyber Regulations Advisory Committee.

Let's keep a watch on the developments in this area. 

Related Article in TOI
Naavi 

August 24,2000