NEW DELHI, Feb 21:
In order to strengthen cyber security programmes and safeguard secrecy of Internet communication, the government is encouraging Indian IT firms to set up their servers in the country, Parliament was informed today.
“Government is promoting Indian players in IT field to develop and offer Internet services by having their servers located in India in order to protect the interests and secrecy of communication of Indian citizens,” Minister of State for Communications and IT Milind Deora said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
The Minister added the government is also working towards promoting the evolution of better global Internet governance norms through on-going discussions at international fora.
“Already, Rediff and Indiatimes have set up servers and accessories in the country to provide e-mail and other services to Indian citizens,” Deora said.
On a separate query on efforts towards strengthening cyber security, he said the government has allocated Rs 500 crore for cyber security programme including cyber safety, security and surveillance, cyber crime investigation and forensics in the 12th Five year Plan (2012-17).
In collaboration with Data Security Council of India, IT-BPM industry body Nasscom, the government has set up cyber forensics labs at Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune and Kolkata for awareness, creation and training programmes on cyber crime investigation, Deora added.
“The Ministry of Home affairs has issued an advisory to state governments and union territory administrations to build adequate technical capacity in handling cyber crimes including trained manpower for detection, registration, investigation and prosecution of cyber crimes,” the Minister said. (PTI)