Thread by @internetfreedom

The IT Act 2000 is what governs today's #DigitalIndia. However, when it comes to 2021's tech realities, this Act is woefully inadequate and needs to be revised ASAP!

Our digital governance laws + frameworks must protect citizens' fundamental rights 👇🏾
internetfreedom.in/update-the-it-…
1/n

When the IT Act 2000 was brought in, only 0.5% of the Indian population (55 lakh) used the internet. The digital landscape consisted mainly of e-commerce websites. Now, with the rapid transformation of #DigitalIndia, we desperately need an update -
internetworldstats.com/asia/in.htm

2/n

In Jan 2021, we received reports of plans by the government to update this Act. We followed up and were informed that @GoI_MeitY's discussions with "relevant stakeholders" have already begun. But it's not just the provisions that need an overhaul, it's the complete framework.
3/n

The framework that governs the #ITAct2000 falls short in multiple areas, including:
⚫️ personal data
⚫️ users' right to privacy
⚫️ freedom of speech and expression
⚫️ surveillance of citizens
⚫️ anti-cybercrime defenses
We truly need a 'reboot' to advance our digital rights.

4/n

The #ITAct fails citizens' right to privacy, and lacks meaningful defenses against AI-fueled attacks (remember the 2019 Pegasus attack?). There are no safeguards against data loss or tampering for an "impugned computer resource" (easy to confiscate).
5/n
internetfreedom.in/the-need-to-in…

Tweeted a meme? Beware. The #ITAct2000 helps authorities trace the originator, and gives authorities easy access to your personal data. Ambiguous vocabulary ("reasonable cause", "satisfaction of the controller") can heighten state censorship and mass surveillance.
6/n

The costs of data, and data breaches, have been increasing — alongside the average time needed to both detect & contain such a breach. India produces massive amounts of data every day.
We really need strong, proactive measures to ensure data security.
7/n

expresscomputer.in/security/rs-14…

IFF urges the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT to add the #ITAct2000 to its upcoming agenda (since its present list of subjects does not include this).

Any upcoming digital frameworks must be constituted within the rule of law and duly safeguard our fundamental rights.
8/n

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