News & Media
Democracy and the Internet in 2017
Vidushi Marda gave a talk at St. Joseph's College of Commerce in Bengaluru on January 25, 2017. Vidushi spoke about democracy and the internet. The 50 minute talk was followed by 20 minutes of questions/comments.
CIS representation at ICANN 58
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) organized ICANN 58 at Copenhagen from March 9 to March 16, 2017. On behalf of the Centre for Internet & Society (CIS), Vidushi Marda participated in the event and made a presentation.
India’s biometric ID scans make sci-fi a reality
I have been thinking about my fingerprints and the secrets that may lie within my eyes — and whether I want to share them with the Indian government. I may not however have a choice.
Other Than Women: Exploring Harassment and Difference Online
A satellite session at RightsCon in Brussels is being organized by the Tactical Technology Collective on March 28, 2017. Rohini Lakshané is a speaker at this event.
Round Table on Privacy and Data Protection at NIPFP
National Institute of Public Finance & Policy organized a round-table on privacy and data protection on March 24, 2017 in New Delhi.
Why We Should All Worry About The Mandatory Imposition Of Aadhaar
It appears that with each passing day, the government is linking an increasing number of benefits and government services to the 12-digit biometric-based Aadhaar number for Indians, despite growing concerns around its data privacy and security.
Privacy concerns multiply for Aadhaar, India’s national biometric identity registry
The largest and most sophisticated biometric identity system of any country in the world, India’s Aadhaar, is sparking new fears that the personal data it stores on more than 1.1 billion people could be vulnerable to exploitation.
No ID, no benefits: thousands could lose lifeline under India’s biometric scheme
Controversial Aadhaar card restricts fundamental rights, argue critics, limiting access to free school meals and exposing 1 billion people to privacy risks.
EVMs: How transparent is the Indian election process?
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have become a bone of contention after the results of the Assembly elections in five states were declared last Saturday and the BSP president Mayawati alleged tampering. The Congress party and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have called for a probe into her allegation. Social media too is abuzz with messages and videos showing how the machines can be allegedly manipulated to sway the votes in favour of a particular candidate.
Nasscom chief saying full data protection isn’t possible should wake us from our digital slumber
Considering India is rapidly moving towards a digital economy, the hurdles not withstanding, data and identity security are topics which have to be taken very seriously. Since the demonetisation, a large part of the population who would never bother with digital transactions has suddenly come online. But there is no such thing as complete security of personal data, according to Nasscom chief R Chandrashekhar.
AI for Social Good
AI in Asia event was organised by the Digital Asia Hub on March 6 and 7, 2017 in Tokyo, Japan. The event partners were Waseda University, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, NICT, NTT and the Japan Society of Information and Communication Research. Udbhav Tiwari attended the event.
The 12-digit conundrum
Even as the Centre plans to link as many as 500 schemes to Aadhaar, concerns over data safety are rising. Richa Mishra reports.
Fake News, Rumors & Online Content Regulation
Medianama and Mint organized #NAMApolicy open house on 'Fake News, Rumors & Online Content Regulation' on February 22, 2017 at the India Habitat Centre. Japreet Grewal and Amber Sinha attended the event.
India To Let Private Companies Access Citizens’ Biometric Data
India, home to the world’s largest national biometric registry, plans to begin sharing citizens’ data with the country’s private companies and startups.
T20 Mumbai 2017: Dialogue on the Emerging World Economy
Gateway House, Indian Council on Global Relations organized a dialogue on emerging world economy in Mumbai on 13 and 14 February 2017. Elonnai Hickok participated in the event.
Is Your Aadhar Biometrics Safe? Firms Accused Of Storing Biometrics And Using Them Illegally
Fears of Aadhar biometric security have been compounded as the government is sprinting towards the next phase of ‘cashless India’ and digitization
LinkedIn will help people in India train for semi-skilled jobs
Microsoft has launched Project Sangam, a cloud service integrated with LinkedIn that will help train and generate employment for middle and low-skilled workers.
No Genie At Your Fingertips
Aadhaar biometrics will now enable cashless shopping sans card and smartphone. A look at the hopes and fears.
Digital illusions
The Watal Committee’s report presents the government with an impossible road map to a cashless nirvana.
India's Aadhaar with biometric details of its billion citizens is making experts uncomfortable
"Indians in general have yet to understand the meaning and essence of privacy," says Member of Parliament, Tathagata Satpathy.
