Prioritizing COVID-19 Containment Lemishes Data Privacy
In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, data privacy has become a significant concern in India. Several districts have published quarantine lists containing personal information, including phone numbers and residential addresses, causing unease among citizens.
The ambiguity surrounding the timeline of overcoming the pandemic emphasises the importance of addressing these concerns. The Aarogya Setu app, launched by the Indian government, requires users to keep their location and Bluetooth on at all times, collecting data of individuals who have been in contact with an infected person and providing it to the government.
This is not the first time data privacy has been a contentious issue in India. The controversy over Aadhar and businesses using personal data for advertising is still fresh in the minds of people. The risk of cybercrime during the pandemic has further heightened these concerns, with cybercriminals potentially taking advantage of the situation as remote work increases.
However, there are efforts being made to protect privacy. The Indian government is considering the Personal Data Protection Bill for further discussion in parliament. The cabinet ministry gave a nod to bring up the bill last year. The Indian government and specific individuals involved in the drafting and advocacy of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, have suggested regulations to manage personal data after the pandemic.
Despite the efforts, the specific proposals and individuals behind these efforts are not detailed in the available search results. It is worth noting that countries like China and Russia were already using mass surveillance systems before the coronavirus outbreak.
On the other hand, tech giants like Google and Apple are now providing location data to government and health authorities. The Aarogya Setu app's privacy policy states that the collected data will not be sold to third parties and will remain with the government only.
In light of these developments, it is crucial to continue practicing small efforts in ensuring data safety. This includes installing anti-virus software, choosing what personal data to provide, and not misusing any data that is available. As we navigate through these challenging times, there might be a major shift in the definition of privacy after the pandemic is effectively tackled.
It is also important to remember past data breaches, such as Facebook's involvement in data breaches and snooping, and Facebook-owned WhatsApp's attack by Pegasus spyware last year. These incidents serve as reminders of the potential risks associated with digital platforms and the importance of data privacy regulations.
In conclusion, while the pandemic has brought about a new need for data sharing, it is essential to balance this with the protection of personal data. The future of data privacy in India is uncertain, but ongoing discussions and regulations aim to provide a more secure digital environment for its citizens.
