state and our privacy

This is about the increasing intrusion on individual life by the State. Developing technology gives a tool to the State to control the citizens – a replay of Orwell's '1984'.

Face Recognition is the latest technology being misused by China and the US. It is being used to unlock phones, clear customs, etc. State claims it to be an aid to solve crimes. Clare Garvie says in The New York Times  [15.10.19] - 'while this technology may seem benign to those who feel they have nothing to hide'... it has much graver implications.  'It is subject to an alarming level of manipulation and bias' by the powers-that-be. E.g. 'half the americans  are in the Police database without their knowing it. Our privacy, our right to anonymity in public and our right to free speech are in danger.'

China is already there, the USA catching up. Not long before  India joins them. The signs are already there - mobile phones, bank accounts known to the government without our consent. Aadhar and PAN for starters.

oil painting on canvas

 To quote two headlines from The Hindu -

• New Rules to regulate social media by January - 22.10.19

• Court to rule into govt. plea for access to WhatsApp chats - 23.10.19