NEW DELHI: Telecom regulator RS Sharma rejected claims that the watchdog exceeded its brief by floating a paper on data ownership, privacy and security, saying consumer interest and protection were the only objectives of the exercise.Sharma told ET it was well within the authority’s turf to look into aspects of data ownership and security because it could regulate data pipes that link devices to the internet, adding that it was not controlling content.“One might say that this is data, not your concern. But it is not just data, consumer interest is inextricably linked to this situation. Therefore, it is part of consumer protection and that’s why we’re talking about it,” said Sharma, Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.“We’re not talking about data on the internet, but as far as access is concerned - device, pipe up to the gateway of the internet - is our territory and whatever happens here is certainly a matter of concern for us. And nobody can deny that this is a legitimate consumer protection activity,” Sharma added.Telcos and some observers questioned whether data ownership, security and privacy fall under the regulator’s ambit. Some raised the point that the Supreme Court would soon rule on the broader issue of individual privacy and protection. Sharma did not comment on the matter in the apex court.The regulator said the recommendations that may emerge from the consultation paper issued on Wednesday can be shared with the ministry of IT, which has a committee looking into the issue of data protection, and may be relevant for larger issues. Trai will be flexible about the matter and may even reconsider making recommendations if it emerges that the matter is beyond its jurisdiction. Sharma, though, added that he believed that’s not the case.Sharma cited conditions in licences given to telecom companies that specify terms on ensuring data protection and privacy, which are also mentioned in the consultation paper on ‘Privacy, Security and Ownership of the Data in the Telecom Sector.’“The paper gives precisely the conditions of the licence, which talks about data protection. Since data has become so important and relevant, we’re now talking about whether those conditions need to be strengthened or fine-tuned, more conditions need to be added, or we need to do something else,” Sharma said.The consultation paper is intended to assess whether the data rights of mobile phone users are adequately protected and identify key issues pertaining to data protection in relation to delivery of digital services, including telecom and data services, as well as devices, networks and applications that collect and control data generated by users through telcos.The paper appears to be have been triggered by iPhone maker Apple, which is yet to allow the regulator’s Do-Not-Disturb app to be listed on its App Store. Trai said Apple was acting like a “data coloniser” and is being “anti-consumer.” Apple, however, reiterated its privacy policy.Sharma rejected Apple’s objections around privacy protocols, saying the DND app does not seek access to all call logs or messages of registered users. The app, he said, was designed for users to complain about unwanted calls and messages by willingly sharing details.He said Trai was open to discussing and resolving the issue with Apple, which has been communicating with the regulator over the past few days.Trai will issue recommendations on the contentious issue of interconnect usage charge by the month end. Its suggestions or a tariff order on tariff assessment, including predatory pricing and abuse of dominance, will also come out soon.The regulator is close to issuing a consultation paper on spectrum auctions, which may propose the sale of 5G airwaves for the first time.“Recommending timing, what to auction will come, pricing, all will be there in the paper. We’re certainly ready for 5G. Nothing is lacking in India and now we will have spectrum also,” Sharma said.