NAVIGATING ONLINE PRIVACY IN INDIA: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

In the age of rapid growth of the internet and widespread smartphone adoption, India finds itself standing at the crossroads of opportunity and challenge when it comes to online privacy.

- TARUN NAZARE

India, which is known as a data goldmine, is grappling with the need to balance the immense potential of big data with the preservation of the fundamental right to privacy. While the promises of personalized services and economic growth are evident, the looming shadows of data breaches, algorithmic bias, and government surveillance raise significant concerns.

CHALLENGES

One of the primary challenges facing India's online privacy landscape is the absence of a comprehensive data protection law. The lack of such legislation leaves citizens vulnerable to potential misuse of their data. Furthermore, the Aadhaar system, designed for efficiency in identity verification, has sparked concerns due to centralized data collection, raising questions about the security and privacy of individuals' information.

Social media platforms, often touted as spaces for free expression and connection, have become battlegrounds for misinformation and hate speech. These platforms exploit user data for targeted advertising and manipulation, creating an environment where individual privacy is at constant risk.

SOLUTIONS