Following on the Indian Government’s highly-controversial ban on Blackberry’s earlier this year, come news that both Google and Skype could be hit the same ruling, which governs how Indian Security Forces gather information.

“It could be Google or Skype, but anyone operating in India will have to provide data,” he said.

In a far-reaching and somewhat intrusive move, India’s government is also likely to target virtual private networks, which give secure access to company networks for employees working away from their offices.

Some have speculated that the Indian government’s new focus on its intelligence gathering is down to increased fears of terrorism.

The tightening of the rules is likely to affect Google, which uses powerful encryption in its Gmail service, and internet telecom service Skype.

The problem, particularly in Skypes case, is the use of proprietary technology that are still kept extremely secret. The suggestion that they be opened up to security forces is one that will be fought tooth and nail by any tech company.

A Google spokesman told the BBC it had not yet received any communication from the government.

Blackberry manufacturers RIM has been given 60 days to come up with a way to open up its data to Indian law enforcement authorities.

Blackberry said that locating its servers locally would make no difference, in response to a suggestion that a server be located in India.

“All data remains encrypted at all times,” it said. “Locating Blackberry infrastructure in a particular geography does not in any way aid or offer access to the encrypted information that flows through the Blackberry infrastructure.”