Lawful interception of information in IP multimedia communication subsystems

DOI: 10.31673/2412-9070.2025.011305

Abstract

The article examines lawful interception of information in an IP multimedia communication subsystems electronic communication network (IMS). The architecture of IMS is completely based on the standard open IP protocol. It interacts with fixed, mobile and wireless communication networks for voice and data transmission. It is noted that each IMS function does not necessary correspond to a separate module (hardware). Two functions can be combined in a single module, and one function can be implemented in several modules. Certain functional modules in the specified subsystem, interaction with which is necessary for authorized structures to lawful intercept information, are given. It is established the type and content of the information, that generated by the specified functional modules. It is noted, that during the lawful interception of information the authorized bodies will receive the communication sessions of the subjects of interception, information about their location and additional information about service profile attached to the end (terminal) equipment of the subjects of interception. Attention is drawn to need to modernize the gateways of network sets of technical means for their adaptation to specifics of the application of IP subsystems of multimedia communication in electronic communication networks. The gateway of the network set of the technical means of the interception system on the internal interfaces must provide to functional modules a surveillance table with identification objects and must receive from them informational messages and metadata of interception objects, related with interception subjects (surveillance subscribers). Suggested offers for changes to the normative document on lawful interception in Ukraine. The proposals are recommended to be used during the planning of operative-search, counter-intelligence, reconnaissance measures and covert investigative (search) actions in IP subsystems of multimedia communication of mobile communication networks of public use in Ukraine.

Keywords: lawful interception of information, electronic communication network, multimedia communication, IP subsystem, technical means, functional modules.