Blogposts

Data Protection

Project Panoptic: Right to Information Updates from Delhi Police, Kolkata Police and Telangana State Technology Services

Replies to RTI requests filed with the Delhi Police, the Kolkata Police and the Telangana State Technology Services shed light on how these public authorities are using their FRT systems.
01 December, 2020
3 min read
Anushka JainAnushka Jain
innovation

Data Empowerment is a result of Data Rights

IFF has submitted its comments on the draft Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture Policy. Our comments highlighted four main issues: ensuring truly informed consent, orienting new technology towards citizens, implementing a robust regulatory mechanism, and expanding the role of civil society.
30 November, 2020
5 min read
Rohin GargRohin Garg
internet shutdowns

As internet restrictions in J&K cross 480 days, we await SC judgement #KeepUsOnline

Non-publication of orders issued by the Review Committee and Special Committee continues to remain a problem in Jammu & Kashmir which must be decided by the Supreme Court to ensure independent application of mind by these bodies and implementation of their recommendations.
26 November, 2020
5 min read
Devdutta MukhopadhyayDevdutta Mukhopadhyay
Parliament

Strengthening the Joint Parliamentary Committee process on the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019

The Joint Parliamentary Committee for Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 is considering a revolutionary legislative proposal. To strengthen its process we request that the JPC work within its mandate and not consider extraneous issues, and that it consider more consultations with civil society.
25 November, 2020
3 min read
Rohin GargRohin Garg
Breaches

Security incidents and the Personal Data Protection Bill. Need to do more and do better.

The recent BigBasket data breach was the most recent example of a spate of security incidents that have plagued the country recently. As work becomes more and more digital, the legislative framework for cyber security must be strengthened by strengthening the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019.
24 November, 2020
5 min read
Rohin GargRohin Garg
aarogyasetu

Govt officials to justify denial of information about Aarogya Setu in secret hearing before CIC #SaveOurPrivacy

We sent a legal notice to the Central Information Commission challenging its refusal to let RTI activist, Saurav Das attend the show cause hearing in his complaint which seeks information about creation of the Aarogya Setu app.
23 November, 2020
5 min read
Devdutta MukhopadhyayDevdutta Mukhopadhyay
Encryption

Statement on MEA's RTI response on International Statement on E2E Encryption

MEA's RTI response states that they do not hold any information pertaining to the Statement nor can they identify any other authority to transfer it to which raises multiple concerns.
20 November, 2020
2 min read
Anushka JainAnushka Jain
SaveOurPrivacy

Ensuring security and the protection of privacy in data centres

IFF has sent its comments to the MEITY on the Draft Data Centre Policy. In our comments we highlighted four issues we feel the policy must address: adequate security standards, safeguards for user privacy, firm regulatory oversight, and the unecessary imposition of ESMA.
19 November, 2020
4 min read
Rohin GargRohin Garg
aarogyasetu

Mandatory imposition of Aarogya Setu by Delhi Govt is illegal and ineffective #SaveOurPrivacy

We wrote to the Delhi Government and its Excise Department urging against mandatory imposition of the Aarogya Setu app. Our alarm bells were rung by a circular issued by the Excise Department which directed licensed wholesale liquor vendors to ensure mandatory use of Aarogya Setu by every worker.
18 November, 2020
4 min read
Devdutta MukhopadhyayDevdutta Mukhopadhyay
internet shutdowns

Amendment to the Telecom Suspension Rules offers little protection against arbitrary and prolonged internet shutdowns #KeepUsOnline

The central government's recent amendment to the Telecom Suspension Rules will have limited utility and represents a missed opportunity for wider reform because it fails to incorporate directions issued by the SC requiring proactive publication and periodic review of internet shutdown orders.
12 November, 2020
6 min read
Devdutta MukhopadhyayDevdutta Mukhopadhyay

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