AP Government Extends Phone Surveillance Permissions for Three Officials

The Andhra Pradesh government has extended permission for phone, telephone, and internet surveillance for three senior officials in the interest of public safety. The decision was formalized through Government Order (GO) MS No. 148, issued by Principal Secretary of the Home Department Kumar Vishwajit on Tuesday.

As per the order, the Director General or Additional Director General of the Intelligence Department, along with Inspectors General (IG) or Deputy Inspectors General (DIG) from Counter Intelligence and Special Branch, are authorized to oversee surveillance operations.

The permission has been extended from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. This authorization is in accordance with the Indian Telegraph Act, the Information Technology Act, and other relevant regulations.

The government clarified that the designated officials can conduct surveillance only after obtaining prior approval from the Principal Secretary of the Home Department.