New Delhi’s expanding digital security infrastructure raises concerns about citizen privacy and democratic principles. Over the past decade, the Indian government has developed a parallel digital security infrastructure that enables authorities to intercept, analyze, and store citizens’ phone communication data on a vast scale.
This extensive surveillance network has sparked widespread criticism, with some observers alleging that it undermines civil liberties and threatens democratic norms. Critics point to the increasing integration of digital technologies into everyday life, creating opportunities for government overreach.
A key component of this surveillance architecture is the Aadhaar system, originally designed for biometric identification to facilitate access to social welfare programs. Initially intended to streamline services, Aadhaar has evolved to link fingerprints and iris scans to banking, welfare benefits, tax returns, mobile phone numbers, and online platforms.
This integration, critics argue, provides the state with an unprecedented ability to map citizens’ identities and behaviors. The extent to which biometric data is woven into public and private infrastructure is unlike anything seen in other democracies, raising serious questions about data security and potential for abuse.
The growing concerns over digital surveillance have fueled public anger and prompted calls for greater transparency and accountability. The government faces increasing pressure to address the privacy implications of its digital policies and ensure that security measures do not come at the expense of fundamental rights. The debate over the balance between national security and individual liberties continues to intensify in India.
