Thread by @internetfreedom

Surveillance doesn't mean safety. Yet, Indian cities are cashing in on the myth to increase surveillance infrastructure.

We wrote to the Lt. Governor of Delhi, highlighting privacy concerns that arise from illegal CCTV deployment. #SaveOurPrivacy 1/5
internetfreedom.in/can-the-delhi-…

"World's most surveilled city" is not a tag to be proud of! In the last 10 yrs, 4100 CCTVs have been installed — Cost: 231.44 Crore INR. #Delhi

The need for safeguards to prevent privacy violations was recognised earlier & needs to be recognised now. 2/5
internetfreedom.in/legal-notice-t…

On May 8 '18, a Committee was constituted by the LG to draft a SOP for CCTV use in public spaces — the Draft Rules for Regulation of CCTV Systems were framed but not put in place.

But present CCTV deployment in Delhi is under a non-legal SOP, and privacy concerns arise. 3/5

Breaking the myth of surveillance = safety ⬇️

2.7 lakh CCTVs have been committed to in 2019-2021. Project cost: 1,184.73 Crore INR.

But crimes against women are rising exponentially. From 5095 in 2020 to 8106 in 2021. The use of CCTV cameras doesn't live up to its myth. 4/5

Right now, feasibility studies or cost-benefit analysis of such surveillance systems are missing.

We ask that: Progress made on draft rules should be made public, a public consultation must be undertaken, & an interim operational framework for CCTV use must be put in place! 5/5