News for 'Data privacy'

Threats to stop probe into PM's security lapse, say SC lawyers

Threats to stop probe into PM's security lapse, say SC lawyers

Rediff.com10 Jan 2022

Several Supreme Court lawyers on Monday wrote to the apex court alleging that they have received calls threatening judges over the case involving the security breach that left Prime Minister Narendra Modi stuck for 20 minutes on a flyover in Punjab last week.

What happens if India bans Chinese smartphones

What happens if India bans Chinese smartphones

Rediff.com21 Oct 2020

Chinese mobile brands are deeply entrenched in the Indian market. A move to bar them may send a bold diplomatic message. But its cost for the local industry is anybody's guess. In the event that Chinese brands face curbs, two handset makers - Samsung and Apple - squarely stand to gain.

Google introduces global kids safety programme in India

Google introduces global kids safety programme in India

Rediff.com25 Aug 2021

Google on Wednesday launched its global 'Be Internet Awesome' programme for children in India in partnership with Indian comic book publisher Amar Chitra Katha to interweave critical internet safety lessons across eight Indian languages. The tech giant has also launched an enhanced Google Safety Centre in eight Indic languages as part of its efforts to step up safety of users on the internet. Google has significantly increased its resources dedicated to India's Trust Safety teams, including product policy analysts, security specialists, and user trust experts that support over 10 vernacular Indian languages, enabling its central teams to benefit from the local nuance and inputs.

China slams India's decision to ban 54 mobile apps

China slams India's decision to ban 54 mobile apps

Rediff.com17 Feb 2022

China on Thursday criticised India's latest decision to block access to 54 more Chinese mobile apps over security and privacy concerns, saying that the move has damaged the legitimate interests of companies from China. India on Monday blocked 54 more apps with Chinese links, including Tencent Xriver, Nice Video baidu, Viva Video Editor, and gaming app Garena Free Fire Illuminate. The Chinese apps allegedly obtain various critical permissions and collect sensitive user data. The collected real-time data are being misused and transmitted to servers located in a hostile country, sources in India said, adding that the IT ministry has issued interim directions for the blocking of 54 apps.

Srikrishna panel suggests changes in RTI Act

Srikrishna panel suggests changes in RTI Act

Rediff.com29 Jul 2018

The panel said data protection law is designed to limit the processing of personal data to legitimate reasons and adds there is a conflict between transparency and privacy.

What is the right age to join social media sites?

What is the right age to join social media sites?

Rediff.com30 Nov 2017

Facebook and Twitter now restrict users below the age of 13 from signing up on their platforms. LinkedIn doesn't provide its services to children below the age of 16.

'What will be tax implications of selling shares?'

'What will be tax implications of selling shares?'

Rediff.com16 Dec 2022

Mihir Tanna, Associate Director, S K Patodia & Associates, answers your tax queries.

Govt must deal strictly with addictive algorithms

Govt must deal strictly with addictive algorithms

Rediff.com7 Jun 2021

India has to put in place legislation and rules which seek more clarity and transparency from technology companies. Domestic and global companies that use consumer behaviour data to enhance addictive behaviour must be scrutinised and controlled. Currently the intermediary guidelines focus mostly on content management and grievance redressal. However, the underlying software engines that influence online consumer behaviour need oversight, too.

India keen to develop 5G & 6G tech: Modi

India keen to develop 5G & 6G tech: Modi

Rediff.com18 Nov 2021

India is investing in developing indigenous capabilities in 5G and 6G telecom technologies besides focusing on manufacturing semi-conductors, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. In a virtual address at the Sydney Dialogue, the prime minister said the "greatest product" of technology today is data and that India has created a robust framework of data protection, privacy and security. "And, at the same time, we use data as a source of empowerment of people. India has unmatched experience in doing this in a democratic framework with strong guarantees of individual rights," he said.

SOVA Android phone malware targets banking customers

SOVA Android phone malware targets banking customers

Rediff.com15 Sep 2022

A new mobile banking 'Trojan' virus -- SOVA -- which can stealthily encrypt an Android phone for ransom and is hard to uninstall is targeting Indian customers, the country's federal cyber security agency said in its latest advisory.

'Passing Aadhaar Act as Money Bill amounts to fraud'

'Passing Aadhaar Act as Money Bill amounts to fraud'

Rediff.com27 Sep 2018

He said the Aadhaar programme violated informational privacy, self-determination and data protection.

Apple unveils smaller, cheaper iPhone SE aimed at mid-market

Apple unveils smaller, cheaper iPhone SE aimed at mid-market

Rediff.com22 Mar 2016

It might give Apple a boost in the fast-growing Indian, Middle East and African markets but also risks cutting its average phone prices and profit margins

Jio, Microsoft team up for digital transformation

Jio, Microsoft team up for digital transformation

Rediff.com12 Aug 2019

The alliance combines capabilities of both the companies to offer a set of solutions comprising connectivity, computing, storage solutions, and other technology services and applications required by Indian businesses, and will span the broad Reliance Industries ecosystem, including its existing and new businesses.

SC rejects Centre's plea to let it appoint Pegasus expert panel

SC rejects Centre's plea to let it appoint Pegasus expert panel

Rediff.com27 Oct 2021

"Justice must not only be done, but also be seen to be done," the Supreme Court observed on Wednesday while declining the Centre's plea to allow it to appoint an expert committee to probe the allegations of use of spyware Pegasus for surveillance of certain people in India.

Journalist named in Pegasus list moves SC

Journalist named in Pegasus list moves SC

Rediff.com2 Aug 2021

He has also sought a direction to the Centre to take suitable steps to protect Indian citizens from the use of cyber-weapons or malware such as Pegasus.

RBI orders forensic audit of MobiKwik systems

RBI orders forensic audit of MobiKwik systems

Rediff.com31 Mar 2021

The Reserve Bank has asked troubled digital wallet firm MobiKwik, which is facing data breach allegations, to get a forensic audit done without any delay. Though the Gurugram-based firm has been claiming that its systems are secure and that there is no basis to the allegations of data breach, a group of hackers on Tuesday said that they accessed personal and financial data of nearly 10 crore MobiKwik customers. On Wednesday, sources in the know of the development told PTI that the RBI has ordered an immediate forensic audit of the company's systems by a certified auditor. When contacted, an RBI spokesperson refused to comment. MobiKwik refused to give a direct answer to a query on whether the RBI has ordered a forensic audit.

What's holding up launch of WhatsApp Payments in India

What's holding up launch of WhatsApp Payments in India

Rediff.com30 Jun 2018

The company was awaiting clarification from the Reserve Bank of India on data storage before it took a final call on data localisation.

Reality show star moves court seeking 'right to be forgotten' online

Reality show star moves court seeking 'right to be forgotten' online

Rediff.com22 Jul 2021

Claiming 'right to be forgotten', reality show celebrity Ashutosh Kaushik on Thursday sought a direction from the Delhi high court to the Centre and Google that some of his videos, photos and articles be removed from various online platforms as they have a "detrimental effect" on his life.

Scientists use cellular networks to detect at-risk areas for COVID-19

Scientists use cellular networks to detect at-risk areas for COVID-19

Rediff.com29 Jun 2020

According to the scientists, including Edwin Chong from Colorado State University in the United States, the novel technique can help identify the most crowded areas such as a city centre, where asymptomatic carriers have a high probability of coming into close contact with large numbers of healthy people.

Social networking sites don't protect your privacy

Social networking sites don't protect your privacy

Rediff.com23 Jul 2009

Furious competition between social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace is compromising the protection of users' data, a Cambridge University study has concluded.

Facebook scandal: Machines shape your opinions

Facebook scandal: Machines shape your opinions

Rediff.com9 Apr 2018

'Political parties can play up different ideological aspects to fit individual voters.' 'For example, a party may present itself as business-friendly to one individual while it could target another voter by harping on communal fears.'

Twitter 'actioned' 133 URLs between May 26-Jun 25

Twitter 'actioned' 133 URLs between May 26-Jun 25

Rediff.com11 Jul 2021

Twitter received 94 grievances and 'actioned' 133 URLs between May 26 and June 25, the microblogging platform said in its maiden monthly compliance report as mandated by the IT rules.

Why you must change your ATM PIN right away

Why you must change your ATM PIN right away

Rediff.com21 Oct 2016

With debit cards of 5 banks compromised, time to be very cautious while transacting. If possible, avoid non-bank ATMs.

No security breach in Aarogya Setu app, govt responds to hacker

No security breach in Aarogya Setu app, govt responds to hacker

Rediff.com6 May 2020

On Tuesday, a French hacker and cyber security expert Elliot Alderson had claimed that 'a security issue has been found' in the app and that 'privacy of 90 million Indians is at stake'. Dismissing the claims, the government said 'no personal information of any user has been proven to be at risk by this ethical hacker'.

Ensure material seized from Newslaundry is not leaked: HC to I-T dept

Ensure material seized from Newslaundry is not leaked: HC to I-T dept

Rediff.com21 Sep 2021

The Delhi High Court Tuesday said the Income Tax department is bound by its assurance to maintain confidentiality of the material seized during a survey operation at news portal Newslaundry's premises and to ensure that it is not leaked.

SHOCKING! Aadhaar gives OUR personal info to foreign firms

SHOCKING! Aadhaar gives OUR personal info to foreign firms

Rediff.com18 Feb 2018

'The most valuable personal sensitive information of present and future citizens has been made available to foreign data firms and governments and non-State actors for all time to come,' says Gopal Krishna.

Google, Jio working closely to build affordable smartphones: Pichai

Google, Jio working closely to build affordable smartphones: Pichai

Rediff.com27 May 2021

Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Thursday said the company continues to engage closely with partner Jio on the initiative of building an affordable smartphone and that work is underway on the project. Last year, Google had picked up a 7.7 per cent stake in Jio Platforms for Rs 33,737 crore. It had also entered into a commercial agreement with Jio Platforms to jointly develop an entry-level, affordable smartphone.

Airlines told to share international fliers' PNR with customs

Airlines told to share international fliers' PNR with customs

Rediff.com9 Aug 2022

With this, India joins 60 other countries that collect PNR details of international passengers.

Pegasus: 500 people write to CJI seeking SC intervention

Pegasus: 500 people write to CJI seeking SC intervention

Rediff.com29 Jul 2021

"For women, the Pegasus scandal is deeply concerning, for speaking out against the state and men in positions of state power has meant that their lives are wrecked by such surveillance permanently.

'15% surcharge on total income of Rs 50 lakh is wrong'

'15% surcharge on total income of Rs 50 lakh is wrong'

Rediff.com17 Jan 2023

Mihir Tanna, Associate Director, S K Patodia & Associates, answers your tax queries.

Over 8000 web links blocked under Sec 69A of IT Act

Over 8000 web links blocked under Sec 69A of IT Act

Rediff.com4 Mar 2020

The action was taken under Section 69A of the Act that empowers the government to block any information generated, transmitted, received, stored or hosted in any computer resource in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognisable offence.

Centre will focus on ring fencing Aadhaar

Centre will focus on ring fencing Aadhaar

Rediff.com30 Aug 2017

The government would have to assure the Supreme Court that collection of biometric data under Aadhaar does not violate privacy.

Can TikTok beat the swadeshi brigade and come back?

Can TikTok beat the swadeshi brigade and come back?

Rediff.com12 Jul 2020

TikTok is up against not just government sanction but also a set of feisty home-grown brands that have raised the 'vocal for local' banner to stake claim to the platform's vast small-town reach, point out T E Narasimhan and Sai Ishwar.

Taking on Google, FB, Apple: CCI seeks more teeth to tackle Big Tech

Taking on Google, FB, Apple: CCI seeks more teeth to tackle Big Tech

Rediff.com31 May 2022

Ashok Kumar Gupta, chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), has never minced words while talking about the giant technology companies, referring to them on multiple occasions as "centres for entrenched and unchecked dominance". The anti-trust regulator has, in fact, been cracking down on big technology companies such as Google, Apple, Facebook, and others, after they were hauled up by regulators and lawmakers in Europe and Australia. However, in several instances, existing regulations have prevented the CCI from going all out against these companies for anti-competitive activities.

India to provide many more Covid vaccines: PM in WEF address

India to provide many more Covid vaccines: PM in WEF address

Rediff.com28 Jan 2021

India will soon make available many more COVID-19 vaccines to other countries after two Made-In-India jabs have already been introduced to the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday while emphasising the country's global responsibility in fighting the pandemic.

Income tax refund Trojan targets Android customers of 27 banks

Income tax refund Trojan targets Android customers of 27 banks

Rediff.com22 Sep 2021

A banking Trojan malware has been detected in the Indian cyberspace that is lurking to attack bank customers using Android phones and has already targeted those from more than 27 public and private sector banks, the country's federal cyber security agency said in a latest advisory.

8 Legal Errors Entrepreneurs Must Avoid

8 Legal Errors Entrepreneurs Must Avoid

Rediff.com18 Apr 2022

These mistakes can turn out very expensive and not just in terms of your finances, but also in the time it will take to resort to the conflict at hand. Having a legal hand can save you from any unforeseen troubles, alerts Harshit Malik, entrepreneur, wisdom coach and enrichment guide.

More trouble brews for WhatsApp

More trouble brews for WhatsApp

Rediff.com28 Jan 2021

A majority of respondents in a survey said they will not use WhatsApp payment features and may discontinue business chat if the app shares information with Facebook and third parties, according to a survey. The survey -- conducted around WhatsApp new proposed policy across the country covering over 17,000 respondents -- found that five per cent users have deleted the app, while 22 per cent claimed to have reduced using the mobile messaging platform.

Nations must ensure cryptocurrency does not end in wrong hands: PM

Nations must ensure cryptocurrency does not end in wrong hands: PM

Rediff.com18 Nov 2021

Modi cautioning that cryptocurrency can spoil the youth.

Govt has taken up snooping issue with China: Jaishankar

Govt has taken up snooping issue with China: Jaishankar

Rediff.com17 Sep 2020

'In their part, the Chinese Foreign ministry maintained that there was no connection between the company concerned and the Chinese government,' he also said.