Enable people to shield their data from threats

Context: The Government has recently invoked its authority under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act and rules formulated in 2009 to ban mobile apps of Chinese origin.

Reason for ban: 

• Data Security: Transfers of local information to foreign agencies, may pose a threat to Indian sovereignty.
• Diplomatic Signals: The ban has sent China a signal of our resolve to defend our interests and take punitive action.
• Suspicions over China: China is not a democracy, it’s a tech-enabled surveillance state and it holds its businesses in a firm grip.  
• Our Vulnerability: 

• Profiling of Data: If large volumes of data are subject to artificial intelligence tools, then a cross-section of an entire country could stand exposed.
• CamScanner, a Chinese document-scanning app, is subject to digital intrusions.
• Tik Tok most popular app in India, an odd upload could give vital data away. 

Suggestion: 

• We could empower citizens to shield themselves through popular awareness.
• Passing of Current Data Protection Bill with long-term validity: It should be reworked (excessive power to Data Authority) to grant people explicit ownership and legal control of their data.