Should Citizens Bear the Burden of Proving Unauthorised Government Surveillance?
In response to mercenary spyware threat notifications—likely from Pegasus spyware, with the government as a probable suspect—received by opposition politicians, activists and journalists from Apple, the government reportedly plans to require the victims to prove any breaches themselves and through a government agency.
Is Accurate Information the Cure for Disinformation?
In a speech, Justice K.V. Viswanathan of the Supreme Court put forth a proposition that a disinformation law similar to that of Singapore might offer a partial solution to the spread of false information in India. Singapore’s law empowers the government to instruct publishers to place correct information alongside false reports, adhering to the notion that the remedy for false speech is more speech. This principle may seem straightforward, but it fails to take into account the intricacies of Indian politics and society.
Can You Trace Misinformation on Social Media?
According to a study by the Mozilla Foundation and the Finnish company CheckFirst, the ad libraries of major social media platforms—where they keep information about the ads they show—lack transparency. The issue of transparency in ad libraries, involving platforms like Meta, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter), is particularly critical as over 60 countries gear up for elections in 2024, a significant and historic election year.
Bombay High Court Upholds Controversial IT Rules Amendment
The Bombay High Court has passed an interim order on the 2023 Information Technology (IT) Rules Amendment, particularly Rule 3(1)(b)(v), which has significant implications for freedom of expression. This rule empowers the government to establish a Fact Check Unit (FCU) and unilaterally declare online content related to the government’s business as fake, false, or misleading, which has raised concerns about potential censorship and the impact on free speech.
Compelling Social Media to Better Moderate Hate Speech
A think tank in Sri Lanka has published a study suggesting methods to encourage social media platforms to undertake content moderation more responsibly, thus tackling hate speech and disinformation more effectively. The study offers an alternative to stringent legislative measures, which frequently result in excessive government control over content regulation.
Farmers’ Protest: Supporting Social Media Accounts Suspended
Dozens of social media accounts on X, previously known as Twitter, have been suspended in India due to their support for farmers’ protests, according to a media report. The censorship is being seen as a crackdown on dissent ahead of the upcoming general elections.
Should Governments Use Algorithms in Public Service Delivery?
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public service delivery promises efficiency and transparency, but the absence of policy frameworks governing its use can lead to grave injustices, particularly for the most vulnerable sections of society. In Telangana, an algorithm recently denied thousands of poor people access to food subsidies.
Disinformation is World’s Biggest Immediate Threat
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2024 identifies the rapid rise and spread of misinformation and disinformation as the most significant global risk over the next two years, shedding light on the nuances of this risk, its implications and the underlying factors that contribute to its proliferation.
Nearly 18 Million Workers Can’t Seek Work Under MGNREGS
Over 17.8 million “active” workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) can no longer look for work due to the central government’s mandate for the Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) for wage payments. The government asserts that workers were given ample time for compliance; however, civil society groups contend that the system is unreliable.
Broadcast Bill Raises Alarms Over Press Independence and Free Speech
The scope and certain provisions in the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, raise critical concerns about the future of media freedom and the independence of digital journalism in India, according to analyses by independent media outlets.
Rampant Use of Spyware Against Indian Journalists, Report Says
There is new evidence of the ongoing use of Pegasus spyware against Indian journalists, says a report released on Dec. 28 by Amnesty International and The Washington Post. This comes about two months after Apple alerted iPhone users globally, including over 20 journalists and opposition politicians in India, about potential targeting by state-sponsored attackers.
The Murky Waters of Government Transparency
Central and state government entities have significant partnerships with global technology giants like Microsoft and Google, involving sensitive health data and public funds. However, when Right to Information (RTI) queries sought details on these contracts, the government’s response was less than transparent, according to a media report. It raises questions over how our personal data is handled and the fairness of the digital market.
A Threat to Our Right to Know
The draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, emerges as a significant concern for every Indian who values their right to information. This proposed legislation, aiming to overhaul India’s broadcasting framework, carries with it the heavy shadow of censorship, particularly threatening the freedom of journalists and online media outlets.
Who’s Watching Your Phone?
Imagine you’re having a casual conversation on your phone, completely unaware that someone might be listening in. No, it’s not a jealous partner or a nosy neighbour; it’s far more insidious. Recent notifications from tech giant Apple to politicians, activists and journalists reveal that even our trusted smartphones are not beyond the reach of unwarranted surveillance.
India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Law Undermines Democracy
A law, purportedly aimed at safeguarding the personal data of Indian citizens, passed recently. However, critics argue that the legislation could serve as a tool to stifle investigative reporting and limit public access to information.