Date : 15/06/2023

Relevance : GS Paper : Cyber Security

Main Words: COWIN Platform,Cyber Security Measure, Digital india,

Context - :

• The events of June 12 underscored the disparity between the promises made under Digital India and the ground realities. These incidents shed light on concerns regarding data breaches and governance lapses within the country's digital infrastructure, highlighting the need for stronger cybersecurity measures and robust regulatory frameworks.

Source : MINT

Data Breach on CoWIN Platform:

• On June 12, a data breach on the CoWIN platform was reported, revealing sensitive personal information circulating on Telegram.
• Despite substantial evidence, initial denials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were later followed by a statement assuring data privacy.
• Similar past incidents, such as the EPFO breach and AIIMS ransomware attack, have eroded citizens' trust due to denials and lack of transparency.
• The absence of a National Cyber Security Strategy and a comprehensive data protection law further exacerbate these concerns.

Challenges in Governance:

• The weak governance processes of digital platforms, except for Aadhaar, raise questions about their legislative mandates and accountability mechanisms.
• These platforms often lack legal definitions, operate as joint ventures or special purpose vehicles, and evade audits and transparency requirements.
• This approach compromises efficiency while glitches and failures have been observed in Aadhaar, Aarogya Setu, and the GEM platform.
• Furthermore, the indiscriminate gathering of personal data beyond technical requirements poses risks and contributes to data breaches.

Controversy Surrounding Twitter:

• Simultaneously, a controversy unfolded involving Twitter's alleged coercion by the Indian government to censor content related to the farmers' protests.
• Previous incidents, such as resistance to secret directives and subsequent raids on Twitter's offices, underscore the need for transparent and proportionate censorship measures.
• The lack of acknowledgment from the concerned ministry regarding these allegations adds to the concerns.

Aligning Digital Transformation with Constitutional Frameworks:

• These events expose the disconnection between digital systems and constitutional frameworks.
• Individual harms remain unaddressed, and regulatory and institutional frameworks are overlooked in favor of innovation.
• To ensure successful digital transformation, it is crucial to integrate digital systems within the bounds of the Constitution. This approach will protect citizen data, restore trust, and fulfill the aspirations of Digital India.

Conclusion:

The incidents on June 12 revealed the gulf between the rhetoric and reality of Digital India. Strengthening cybersecurity measures, ensuring transparency, enacting comprehensive data protection legislation, and aligning digital initiatives with constitutional frameworks are essential for building trust and enabling a successful digital transformation. By addressing these challenges, India can truly fulfill its potential as a global model for digital innovation.

Source : The Indian Express