- It is one aspect to ride on the increasingly ubiquitous information technology-driven digital revolution witnessed around the globe as also the unquestionable acceptance of the medium in literally every other walk of life. In the same vein, the safety and security aspect related to the humongous data generated by the digital medium demands not only foolproof protection but also corresponding laws to safeguard the common man from anti-social elements. As crucial details related to citizens are digitally available, it becomes incumbent on the part of the entities entrusted to handle the data with no breach or compromise on the safety and security aspects.
PC: Digitalsubho
- Can the Indian authorities lay claim to providing such foolproof protection on the matter presently? The obvious answer is no. As more cases of data theft and misuse emerge from across the country rendering the gullible citizens lose out on their hard-earned money. Even educated and tech-savvy regularly falling prey to digital predators is on the rise speaks volumes about the way digital medium has allowed to be breached in the absence of all-encompassing protection law. As reported widely in the newspapers, yet another unnerving case of mass biometric theft was detected by Hyderabad police recently.
- A man was caught with around 2,000 fingerprints of separate individuals that were being used to purchase SIM cards, create bank accounts, and then engineer more frauds. Of course, it is not just police and UIDAI that collect and deploy biometrics these days. Remember, smaller public and private entities have now taken to this with passion as well. Recently, Bengaluru Metro announced contemplating a move to introduce a facial recognition-based pass and similar boarding plans for various airports as well. Mind you, biometric access systems are proliferating in offices and apartments.
PC: Smart Eye Technology
- Nonetheless, the accompanying problem with this trend is that it is running apace without strong data protection protocols being put in place. As mentioned above, India has comprehensively embraced the digital economy without a matching data protection regime. Tons of personal data are being constantly collected alongside tons of confusion about how it will be stored and used and who will have access to it. Further, a recent UIDAI warning against unlicensed entities misusing Aadhaar card photocopies and e-copies was swiftly withdrawn even as identity thefts and financial losses caused by impersonation are constantly underplayed.
- Granted, options such as turning on the biometric lock and Virtual Identity can give users meaningful control over their security. But when even tech-savvy urbanites can willy-nilly fall prey to biometric theft, imagine the vulnerability of the rest. What is the way out then? The UIDAI should first gird its walls as the CAG audit has called for. Secondly, Parliament should no longer delay a comprehensive data protection law – with the strongest possible regulation against security – poor or unauthorized storage of identity information. These measures alongside more scrupulous indulgences would provide common citizens more than a semblance of safe and secure feeling from the digital marauders.
