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The issue has gained urgency as investigations have revealed that terror groups are increasingly using encrypted apps that lack servers in India and do not comply with local laws
Currently, government agencies have limited provisions to seek encrypted data, though with exceptions. (Pexels Image for Representation)
India is likely to establish a multi-agency platform to tackle challenges arising from encrypted apps, following a proposal from Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Sources said during a recent high-level meeting recently, Shah suggested the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) create a mechanism similar to the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC), involving representatives from MeitY, DRDO, defence organisations, and academic institutions. The platform would engage in structured discussions to identify technical and legal obstacles and recommend solutions.
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The task has been entrusted to the Intelligence Bureau and the Cyber and Information Security Division. Officials acknowledged that accessing data from encrypted chats remains a major challenge, with app companies often unresponsive or slow to cooperate.
“Like the MAC, which brings together 26 agencies, this body will study the hurdles posed by encrypted apps and propose both technical and legal measures. It will also deliberate on how agencies can legally obtain information from these companies,” a government source said.
A Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) is a collaborative setup where multiple government agencies work together under one roof (or through an integrated system) to share information, coordinate responses, and improve decision-making in situations that require inter-agency cooperation. They serve as a hub for intelligence and information sharing between different agencies (such as police, intelligence, disaster management, health, or emergency services). Its aim is to coordinate responses to emergencies, security threats, or large-scale incidents, reduce duplication of effort and fill communication gaps. Its functions include collecting and analysing inputs from different agencies, disseminating actionable intelligence to relevant stakeholders, and acting as a single point of contact for multi-agency operations.
Officials further noted that most encrypted apps lack servers in India and do not comply with local laws. “Citing user privacy, these companies provide only limited information, even in sensitive cases. Additionally, the process to request data is cumbersome,” an official told News18.
Currently, government agencies have limited provisions to seek encrypted data, though with exceptions.
The issue has gained urgency as investigations have revealed that terror groups are increasingly using encrypted apps. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), in its chargesheet in a recent ISIS radicalisation case in Tamil Nadu, found that accused A Alfasith from Mayiladuthurai was closely linked with radicalised Islamists and ISIS supporters such as Mohemmed Ashik and Sathik Batcha, both involved in multiple terror cases in the state.
According to the NIA, Alfasith and his associates circulated ISIS-related videos, documents, and images on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, targeting hundreds of young Muslims. They created groups such as “Islamic State” and “Black Flag Soldiers” to promote unlawful activities threatening India’s unity, security, and communal harmony.
Investigations further revealed that Alfasith actively followed ISIS propaganda and downloaded incriminating material from the ISIS-operated Telegram channel ‘nashida33’ (Al Wala Wal Bara). Their agenda, the agency said, was clear: to propagate ISIS ideology and radicalise vulnerable youth.
About the Author
With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar…Read More
With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar… Read More
September 25, 2025, 10:44 IST
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