While he has no doubt that India must set its own house in order to deal with cyber threats, he wants companies like WhatsApp and Facebook to be more responsible. Excerpts from an interview:
Q/ There are allegations that government agencies are behind the breach of the phones of some hundred people.
A/ The government has denied the allegations and there is no reason to disbelieve it. On the other hand, the fact is that the government has been trying to enforce the law by asking WhatsApp to set up a server here. The government is trying to obtain the data related to crime and terror incidents in accordance with the law and has never tried to take undue advantage of any companies. There has been a problem of late with WhatsApp Pay seeking permission to operate in India. The Reserve Bank of India has asked them to comply with its data localisation norms which mandate it to house the data in the country. The fact is that the laws are in place and the intention is right. The issue is what steps the government needs to take to enforce the law and make these companies abide by the rules and regulations.
Q/ Why do you think the foreign companies have not been reined in?
This story is from the November 17, 2019 edition of THE WEEK.
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This story is from the November 17, 2019 edition of THE WEEK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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