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?