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In the 2nd part of our Watch the Watchmen series, we examine the Centralised Monitoring System (CMS) which aims to automate the process of lawful interception & monitoring of telecommunications. #WatchtheWatchmen
1/n https://internetfreedom.in/watch-the-watchmen-series-part-2-the-centralised-monitoring-system/
1/n https://internetfreedom.in/watch-the-watchmen-series-part-2-the-centralised-monitoring-system/
Before CMS, law enforcement agencies had to approach individual telecom service providers (TSP) for interception of communications of targets such as suspected terrorists or criminals.
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However, CMS aims to remove or bypass the middle man, i.e., TSPs, and allow the law enforcement agency to monitor the target through a central system.
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Before CMS, law enforcement agencies had to approach individual telecom service providers for interception of communications of targets. However, CMS aims to bypass the middleman, i.e. TSPs and allow the law enforcement agency to monitor the target through a central system.
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It would also be difficult to ascertain whether there was a valid reason for this interception. A practice of mass surveillance could be adopted wherein large groups of people have their data intercepted without a valid reason.
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Since these interception authorisations will be done by the government agencies internally, there will be no way of knowing about them and whether they were done for a valid reason, let alone questioning or challenging them.
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The present surveillance architecture in India is thus too weak and can be seen to be prone to mass surveillance. Hopes were set on the upcoming Personal Data Protection Bill to provide some level of protection however these hopes were not met.
7/n https://world.time.com/2013/06/30/in-india-prism-like-surveillance-slips-under-the-radar/#ixzz2YpWhRsrB
7/n https://world.time.com/2013/06/30/in-india-prism-like-surveillance-slips-under-the-radar/#ixzz2YpWhRsrB
As the draft stands currently, Clause 35 of the Bill grants wide exemptions to the government. It is our view that these existing exemptions are too vague and broad and must be narrowl tailored.
8/n https://internetfreedom.in/essential-features-of-a-rights-respecting-data-protection-law/
8/n https://internetfreedom.in/essential-features-of-a-rights-respecting-data-protection-law/
In addition to a stronger data protection law, India also needs a separate legislation to regulate surveillance by the govt to ensure that state sponsored mass surveillance does not become a reality in India.
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10/n http://www.internetfreedom.in/donate
10/n http://www.internetfreedom.in/donate
