It is said that even if nobody is watching you, God is watching. Today, besides the almighty, some other entities are very likely to be watching you, even when you think nobody is. These entities may be big companies or technologically advanced cyber criminals. This poses serious concerns of security and autonomy and warrants you to understand the nuances of data, its implications, and data protection.
What is Data?
Simply put, Data refers to information, merely in unrefined and unorganized form. This information may be about you or about something else. It may be information about where you go, what you do, where you live, what you eat etc.
Why This Data Is So Important Today?
You can be manipulated by the use of your data. The entities that collect data and keep track of your searches, and the content you view. After some time, this information about you may be used in different ways to induce you to eat a particular food item, buy specific goods or to use a specific service. You will start getting more recommendations based on your previous searches. The server curates such recommendations, especially for you and often people are unknowingly trapped in this curated web.
For instance, if you are fond of listening to one K-Pop band, then you will get related recommendations on YouTube. In this way, by using your habit of listening to a K-Pop music band, you can be manipulated to listen to different K-Pop bands.
How Does This Put You At Risk?
You might have saved your social media id password in the Chrome browser or stored your photos and videos in google photos. Have you ever wondered who could have access to the information stored in your social media or any app?
In google photos, not only you, but Google also has access to your memorable (or private) photos and videos. Similarly, the websites or platforms where you have uploaded something or downloaded anything, have information about the IP address of your device. The applications on which you have opened your account or signed have your personal information like your address, phone number, etc.
Data Privacy Framework In The Indian Legal System
The picture became clearer with the judgement of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in K.S. Puttaswamy v Union of India (2017). In this landmark case, the right to privacy was explicitly elevated to the pedestal of Fundamental Rights. This Fundamental Right to Privacy is engraved in the arena of ‘Article 21’ which is a part of the basic structure of the Constitution of India.
There are some legislations like the Information and Technology Act, of 2000, which provide a framework for data protection, however, currently, we do not have dedicated legislation for data privacy and protection. The Government is still in the process of formulating such a law.
How Can You Protect Yourself From This Risk?
There are many ways in which you can safeguard yourself from data-related risks.
- Properly log off from the websites you have logged in.
- Abstain from saving passwords on the browsers.
- Do not give every permission to the app you are installing on your mobile or PC.
- Download files from only trusted and safe websites.
- Keep your system, up to date.
- Do not provide all information about yourself. If possible, provide only a broad information, not specifics. If the website asks for your address, then simply provide your country name or state name.
- Keep a tab on advisories issued by the government from time to time.
- If you do not wish to continue using your account on a particular website, make sure to either deactivate or delete your account after downloading your data if possible.
Conclusion
In today’s, digital world, where most of the processes, products and services are online including the act of offering prasad in temples, making digital ration cards, issue of certificates in digital format etc., it is important for us to understand the implication of our single click. We may forget about the website we visited last week, but the internet will never forget it, till the information is saved on the servers. This warrants us to be aware of our transactions, and where our data is used.
Author: Shubham Panwar, Legal Intern at PA Legal.
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