Govt Warns: Don’t Keep Internet On During Calls
Govt warns users: Internet during calls may let apps record you. TRAI also plans to rate buildings on digital strength. Here's how to check your phone's mic access.
image for illustrative purpose
A cybersecurity advisory has been issued for mobile users across India, cautioning against keeping mobile internet active during phone calls. The warning, disseminated by Cyber Dost, the digital outreach arm of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, highlights the risk of unauthorized microphone access by certain apps.
According to officials, enabling internet services while on a call could allow malicious applications to access and record conversations. In a video shared online, a law enforcement officer demonstrates how users can review app-level microphone permissions. The officer instructs users to open Google Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings, and then navigate to Site Settings to examine microphone access.
However, for a comprehensive view of microphone permissions, users are advised to access their phone’s main Settings, select Privacy, then open the Permission Manager. From there, they can identify apps with microphone or camera access and revoke or modify permissions as needed.
Separately, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is preparing to implement a new digital connectivity rating framework for buildings. As part of this initiative, five companies have shown initial interest in participation. The program is designed to assess and rate properties based on TRAI-defined digital infrastructure standards.
TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti confirmed that the rollout is imminent, with initial evaluations expected later this month. Some real estate developers have already made inquiries about the process, indicating growing awareness and interest in the system.
The forthcoming rating will follow a 'star-based' format, similar to energy efficiency or environmental certifications. It will cover both upcoming and existing structures. The goal is to incentivize developers to enhance digital readiness in older properties, ultimately improving connectivity for occupants.
