The Personal Data Protection Bill is a historic opportunity to reform our broken, oppressive surveillance framework. In a digital society the threats to democracy are incredibly dangerous in the hands of *any* political executive. How will such reform be achieved? 1/n

Legalistically. There are two structural paths. The first is legislative. Many, people wonder why would a Government work towards restricting it's own power? Rarely such moments and victories do occur. A model draft on a law is available here. 2/n https://saveourprivacy.in/principles 

Versions of the Indian Privacy Code linked above have been filed over time by Dr. @WriterRavikumar and Dr. @ShashiTharoor. Many other MPs, cutting across party lines have over time sought changes. More can be achieved if with greater civic awareness. 3/n https://saveourprivacy.in/blog/educate-and-advocate-for-better-privacy-protection-before-the-data-protection-jpc

This also reminds me of the RTI Story which documents the work of the NCPRI and the MKSS collective. There are important lessons that rest there in the substance and form of public advocacy for RTI. Most importantly : Be patient and do not give up. 4/n https://apargupta.com/the-caravan-rolls-on-d9288d7a318b

Second avenue for reform is strategic litigation. @PUCLindia approached the SC to ask for a fresh set of safeguards. The last time we got *any* surveillance reform was in 1996 through a SC judgement in a PUCL writ! History is cyclical, ain't it? :D http://www.pucl.org/press-statements/going-beyond-telephone-tapping-electronic-communication-surveillance-what-are 5/n

This is in a batch of several petitions. Lead by petitioners & lawyers coming from diverse political beliefs & backgrounds. They recognise a clear, present harm of mass surveillance which is a product of private data gathering and government power. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-case-against-surveillance/article25822069.ece 6/n

Such measures will actualise the 9 judge bench right to privacy judgement. It holds the promise to deal with the regular incidents of abuse which come to public knowledge. NSO Pegasus, Phone Tapping Scandals in Rajasthan or Bengaluru, Bulk CDR requests etc. etc. etc. etc. 7/n

The cynic in many people will state, "kuch nahee hone waala" (nothing will happen). But this is in the nature of structural reforms. They do not happen overnight, till they do. Requires patience & incrementally pushing towards a goal. Patience, time, energy and solidarity. 8/n