Now, the Government Will Be Able to ‘Hack’ Your Accounts! | New Update by the Indian Government

Now, the Government Will Be Able to ‘Hack’ Your Accounts! | New Update by the Indian Government

In a move that has raised serious concerns over privacy and digital freedom, the Indian government has introduced new regulations that could potentially allow authorities to access private accounts and personal data of citizens. While the government justifies this as a measure to enhance national security, the implications of such a move are alarming.

What’s the New Rule?

As per recent reports, the Modi government has proposed amendments to existing digital and cybersecurity laws that grant agencies increased surveillance power. These changes would enable government bodies to monitor, intercept, and even access encrypted data of users across various platforms.

The key aspects of the proposed policy include:

• Mandatory compliance by internet service providers (ISPs), social media companies, and messaging platforms to share user data upon government requests.
• A potential bypass of end-to-end encryption, especially on messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal.
• Increased powers for intelligence and law enforcement agencies to track financial transactions and personal messages.
• Expansion of the IT Rules 2021, further restricting online speech and dissent.

Is This Legal?

While the government claims that the amendments are in the interest of national security, digital rights activists argue that such sweeping powers violate the fundamental right to privacy guaranteed by the Indian Constitution under Article 21. In 2017, the Supreme Court of India upheld the right to privacy in the landmark Puttaswamy judgment, making it clear that the government cannot intrude into citizens’ private lives without proper legal safeguards.

However, under the Modi administration, there has been a concerning pattern of increased digital surveillance. With past incidents such as the Pegasus spyware scandal—where opposition leaders, journalists, and activists were allegedly snooped upon—this new update only reinforces fears of a surveillance state.

The Government is Undermining the Right to Privacy

The central government is going against the right to privacy, raising serious concerns about citizens’ fundamental freedoms. By enabling mass surveillance, the government is eroding the very constitutional protections that are meant to safeguard individuals from excessive state control.

Where is the Supreme Court?

This unprecedented intrusion into private digital spaces also raises an important question: Where is the Supreme Court in all this? Despite its past rulings affirming the right to privacy, the judiciary has remained largely silent on these alarming policy changes. If the courts do not intervene, the government could continue to pass such laws unchecked, pushing India further towards an authoritarian surveillance state.

A Tool to Extend Political Power?

Critics argue that these new regulations could serve as a tool for the ruling government to extend its hold on power. With access to private photos, messages, and sensitive data, opposition political parties and even ordinary citizens could become targets. If such surveillance is used strategically, it could suppress dissent, manipulate elections, and maintain dominance over the political landscape.

Condemnation of the New Income Tax Rule

The government’s recent changes to the income tax laws have also sparked outrage among citizens and economic experts. These new tax regulations impose stricter scrutiny on individual earnings and digital transactions, increasing the financial burden on the middle class while offering little transparency on how the collected revenue is being used.

Key issues with the new income tax rule:

• Increased Surveillance on Financial Transactions: The government now has broader authority to monitor bank transactions, digital payments, and even personal expenses.
• Targeting Middle-Class & Small Businesses: The new tax rules disproportionately affect middle-income earners and small business owners while large corporations continue to receive tax exemptions and benefits.
• Lack of Transparency & Accountability: The government has failed to clarify how these additional tax revenues will be used to benefit citizens.
• Harassment by Tax Authorities: Increased powers for tax officials could lead to undue harassment of honest taxpayers.

By tightening financial controls while simultaneously pushing for digital surveillance, the Modi government appears to be enforcing greater state control over both the economic and personal lives of its citizens. Instead of promoting ease of doing business and financial independence, these measures create an environment of fear and excessive government interference.

Government’s Weak Cybersecurity Infrastructure: A Major Risk

A crucial concern is that the Indian government lacks a strong protection system to safeguard the data of 140 crore citizens. If the government gains unrestricted access to personal data, it also assumes responsibility for its security. However, past incidents have shown that government servers are vulnerable to cyberattacks and leaks.

Key concerns about cybersecurity infrastructure:

• Frequent Data Breaches: There have been multiple cases where Aadhaar data and other sensitive government-held information were leaked online.
• Lack of Secure Encryption Standards: While demanding access to encrypted data from private companies, the government itself does not follow best practices for data protection.
• Misuse by Government Officials: The officials who gain access to this vast amount of private data could exploit it for extortion, blackmail, or political manipulation.
• No Accountability: There are no strict penalties for data misuse by government agencies or officials, making citizens more vulnerable to exploitation.

With no robust framework to protect citizens’ data from hacking, leaks, or misuse, giving excessive surveillance power to the government could lead to disastrous consequences. Instead of enforcing mass surveillance, the government should focus on strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure to prevent data leaks and ensure citizens’ information remains safe.

Advantages & Disadvantages of the New Policy

Advantages:

• Enhanced National Security: The government argues that increased surveillance helps prevent cybercrime, terrorism, and financial fraud.
• Faster Law Enforcement Response: Easier access to digital data may help in solving crimes more efficiently.
• Regulation of Misinformation: Could help curb the spread of fake news and harmful content online.

Disadvantages:

• Privacy Violations: Citizens’ personal and sensitive data could be accessed without proper checks and balances.
• Threat to Free Speech: Critics and activists may be unfairly targeted, leading to self-censorship.
• Potential for Misuse: With no clear oversight, surveillance laws could be weaponized against political opponents.
• Lack of Transparency: The government has a history of passing digital regulations without public debate or parliamentary scrutiny.

The Danger of Mass Surveillance

Mass surveillance without accountability can lead to several problems, including:

• Suppression of Free Speech: Journalists, activists, and political opponents could be targeted.
• Chilling Effect on Digital Freedom: Fear of being watched could discourage open conversations online.
• Data Exploitation: Without strong data protection laws, citizens’ personal data could be misused or even leaked.
• Potential for Misuse: Unchecked government power can be used to silence critics and opposition parties.

Modi Government’s Track Record on Digital Freedom

Since 2014, the Modi-led BJP government has introduced several controversial measures restricting digital freedom:

• Internet Shutdowns: India holds the record for the highest number of internet shutdowns in the world.
• IT Rules 2021: These rules tighten control over social media platforms, forcing them to comply with government orders.
• Pegasus Spyware Scandal: Allegations that the government used spyware to snoop on critics.
• Targeting of Journalists & Activists: Several individuals have faced raids and legal actions for speaking against the government.

What Can Citizens Do?

In light of this concerning development, citizens must take steps to protect their privacy:

• Use end-to-end encrypted apps that do not store user data.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts.
• Support digital rights organizations fighting against mass surveillance.
• Raise awareness by engaging in discussions on social media.

Final Thoughts

The Modi government’s increasing control over digital and financial spaces is a matter of serious concern. While national security is important, it should not come at the cost of citizens’ fundamental rights. India is the world’s largest democracy, and its citizens deserve a government that upholds their freedoms rather than curtailing them in the name of security. If such laws are passed without debate or transparency, India risks becoming a digital dictatorship rather than a true democracy.