Citizen Rights and Cyber Security

 An act was declared as the fundamental right by the honourable Supreme Court of India in 2017 which can be derived from the constitution of India under articles 14, 19 and 21. It was a historic judgement followed by a long term media coverage. The Advocate General of India argued about the absence of any such fundamental right which can protect the privacy of an Indian citizen. During this argument, the right to privacy act emerged, established and become part of the Indian constitution. 

A new question arises about personal data protection whether the data belong to an organisation or an individual. The fundamental role of an organisation and a citizen is to follow and act according to the constitution of the nation. Although it seems that the regular attacks on citizens personal data make it difficult for anyone to tackle the situation. A recent incident occurred where a 28 years old man holding about a thousand fake aadhaar cards. We come across similar stories in a daily which always bring an air of threat into our brain. Aadhaar card privacy issue was the most prevalent in news during the establishment of the above mentioned fundamental right.

Another issue emerged about the national security and gap in national development due to evolving cyber security issues with more frequency. The constant breach of trust occurs for different reasons whether to attain financial gain, fulfill political interests, grab a market, or influence a culture, community or consumers. It’s an ongoing constant threat.

The regular surveillance on different groups, activists, journalists, renowned personalities is also in daily news. An attack on the fundamental rights provided by the constitution of India to every citizen of this country is becoming a complex issue to resolve. A recent statement of Edward Snowden broadcasted where he says that our smartphones are dangerous than the spy in our pockets. He also stated that these are programs for commercial purposes which has already turned into an industry. Whatsapp also announced two years ago that users were under attack through NSO malware. The list includes political figures, journalists, human rights activists and others. The time is already difficult and the coming time will be very crucial regarding the privacy and protection of data. It is not a fight which an individual can win, it has turned into a war. Unity, alertness, awareness and keeping an eye on upcoming technology can prevent us as a citizen. 

Tanvi Tyagi