Monday, May 9, 2011

Indian Law Proposed: Free Access to Individual's Sensitive Information

When amendments are passed, we expect a change for the better, an opportunity to improve something that earlier caused a discord in the smooth running of the system of justice. 

This year in India, new rules are being framed under the IT Amendment Act that has come under considerable criticism. Here's why:

1. It will enable the government to obtain sensitive and personal information about individuals from the companies they work for or are associated with, without the concerned person's consent and without any warrant as such.

2. Information includes a person's passwords, financial information such as bank accounts;  medical records, sexual orientation and biometric information. The information will be kept confidential from third parties.

Think about it. We all store a lot of our most vital and personal information online. The biggest danger is the most obvious one, particularly if there are no legislative provisions or in-built checks to protect the individual's privacy and dignity.

What do you think? How do you believe this rule, if passed, can pose risk/offer benefit to the nation at large?

9 comments:

Mridula said...

To me yes the provision spells trouble. But will companies like Google part with such information?

Felicity Grace Terry said...

hmm, so much to think about. It is fascinating to read of the legalities of other countries.

Many thanks for your kind words, its good to be back visiting with you.

R. Ramesh said...

indians r victims of bogus leadership...wonder when v ll get our true freedom...

R. Ramesh said...

indians r victims of bogus leadership...wonder when v ll get our true freedom...

Sanand said...

@Mridula - Guess so but its hard to say right now.

@Petty Witter - Thanks for visiting!

@RRamesh - U r right...we choose our own leaders and then lament and the vicious cycle turns on to the ordinary man, who gets a raw deal.

Felicity Grace Terry said...

Dropping by to say hello.

Anonymous said...

It is trouble brewing... I definitely cannot digest someone behind my back checking on me...

What they should do is check the government officials and their account details... Govt will be in for a shock...

Sanand said...

Thanks, Petty Witter, its kind of you. Appreciate the thoughtful gesture.

Sanand said...

@Stranger - U r right but its looming large in our lives anyhow. Lets see what happens.