{Tech Fin}

Security agencies in India have recommended banning the VoIP telephony until they find a system to track phone calls over the Internet from foreign countries in an initiative to improve security against terrorism. India fears that extremist groups operating from abroad can use Internet telephony to bypass security systems in planning and executing attacks.

"Since it is impossible to trace Internet phone calls from foreign countries, we have asked the Department of Telecommunications to block such calls until a system is installed, indicate sources of intelligence agencies.

The Asian country conducted a major review of its security systems following the terrorist attacks in Mumbai that killed 166 people in November 2008. It is also considering a new law that allows checking all imported telecommunications equipment to ensure that does not compromise national security.