Updates

CERT-In

Statement: Exemption of CERT-In from the RTI Act dilutes institutional transparency and weakens individual privacy

An amendment to the Second Schedule to the RTI Act, 2005 was notified on November 24, 2023, exempting CERT-In from providing information under the Act. This move is certainly not in the public interest as it weakens the rights of the people by diluting an Act meant to empower them.
25 November, 2023
3 min read
Tejasi PanjiarTejasi Panjiar & Prateek WaghrePrateek Waghre
Broadcast Bill

Broadcast Services Bill not looking like a wow: Our First Read #LetUsChill

Our First Read of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023 includes concerns over inclusion of “Over-the-Top” (“OTT”) content & digital news under MIB's regulatory ambit. We express our concerns for online free speech and journalistic freedom.
15 November, 2023
10 min read
Tejasi PanjiarTejasi Panjiar & Prateek WaghrePrateek Waghre
Parliament

Hey Standing Committee, let's sit and talk?

As the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications & IT takes seat, IFF offers inputs on its 2023-24 subject roster and highlights the need to address recent privacy threats.
11 November, 2023
7 min read
Disha VermaDisha Verma
Surveillance

A worm in the Apple? IFF writes to CERT-In as it begins probe into Apple’s state-sponsored attack notification

As CERT-In launches a probe on the recent threat notification sent by Apple to some of its users, we highlight key considerations and historical baggage that should inform the investigation.
09 November, 2023
4 min read
Disha VermaDisha Verma
seizure

Supreme Court directs Union Govt. to contemplate laying down guidelines on Search and Seizure of Digital Devices

In October 2022, the Foundation for Media Professionals (“FMP”) filed a petition with the Supreme Court, requesting the establishment of regulations concerning law enforcement's authority to search or confiscate electronic devices.
07 November, 2023
5 min read
Radhika RoyRadhika Roy
Robotics

I, Draft National Robotics Strategy

IFF submits its comments on MeitY’s recent Draft National Robotics Strategy, highlighting concerns and making rights-affirming recommendations on the use of robotics in healthcare, and the need for a human rights impact assessment before a nation-wide roll-out.
01 November, 2023
8 min read
Disha VermaDisha Verma
Official Announcement

Defending the Digital Republic

IFF’s  Board of Trustees is delighted to welcome Ms. Vandita Morarka (Founder and CEO of One Future Collective) and Mr. Anshul Tewari (Founder of Youth Ki Awaaz) as the new Board Trustees at IFF.
31 October, 2023
2 min read
Sragvi ChaturvediSragvi Chaturvedi
aadhaar

Aadhaar-based student ID raises alarms for privacy

The APAAR initiative under NEP 2020 envisions creating a unique ID for students, storing their education and extracurricular data in a permanent, life-long, longitudinal registry – all based on their Aadhaar.
27 October, 2023
7 min read
Disha VermaDisha Verma & Prateek WaghrePrateek Waghre
harghartiranga

Flagging privacy concerns with Har Ghar Tiranga 2.0

The Har Ghar Tiranga 2.0 campaign by the Ministry of Culture set out to display the names and pictures of Indian citizens holding the tricolour on its website for a stipulated period, to celebrate India’s 76 years of independence. Except, user data is still displayed on the website.
26 October, 2023
6 min read
Disha VermaDisha Verma
misinformation

Request declined: Bengaluru Police rejects information sought in our first appeal on the Karnataka fact checking unit

Out first appeal inquiring about the constitution of a Fact Checking Unit (FCU) by the Bengaluru Police was rejected by the PIO for Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City. This was despite announcement of its establishment by the state government.
25 October, 2023
6 min read
Tejasi PanjiarTejasi Panjiar

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