In recent news, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to all telecom service providers about a novel application known as the COVID-19 Quarantine Alert System (CQAS). This system gathers phone data, including device location, onto a secure platform. It is designed to inform local agencies if there are any violations by individuals under quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19.
Development and Functioning of the COVID-19 Quarantine Alert System (CQAS)
The DoT in conjunction with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), along with telecom service providers, have developed and tested the CQAS. The system compiles a list of mobile numbers, categorizes them based on the telecom service providers, and uses the location provided by these providers to establish geo-fencing, which relies on GPS, RFID, Wi-Fi, or cellular data to execute pre-set actions when a mobile device enters or exits a geographic virtual boundary.
The operation of geo-fencing requires a mobile phone provided by Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, or Reliance Jio, as BSNL/MTNL, both government-owned entities, do not support location-based services. The location information is securely and sporadically received for authorized cases, ensuring the protection of the received data. When a person violates their quarantine or escapes isolation, this is detected through their cell tower location, triggering email and SMS alerts to an authorized government agency.
Use of powers under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885
To keep track of COVID-19 cases, the Centre is utilizing the authority granted by the Indian Telegraph Act to garner information from telecom companies every 15 minutes. The states must seek the approval of their Home Secretaries under section 5(2) of this Act, allowing the DoT to provide information about any violation of the geo-fencing via email or SMS.
Data Protection
The SOP declares that the phone number should be deleted from the system once it is not required for location monitoring, and all data should be purged four weeks after. This data is collected solely for health management in light of COVID-19 and not for any other purpose. Any breach of this rule will result in relevant legal penalties.
Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)
C-DOT was established in August 1984 as an independent Telecom R&D Centre of DoT. It is a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and is a registered ‘public funded research institution’ with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
The GPS, used to determine the ground position of an object, is a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) owned by the US. It provides users with positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services.
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)
RFID involves using radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag attached to an object. It can be read from several feet away and does not require direct line-of-sight to the reader for tracking purposes.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi, a wireless networking technology, uses radio waves to offer wireless high-speed internet and network connections. It enables a wireless connection between two or more devices for data sharing purposes.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024