indian activists challenge
|

Indian activists challenge AI-powered police surveillance following student demonstrations

ByJustpaste.in

Indian digital rights activists and student leaders are challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in the Delhi High Court over the deployment of artificial intelligence-powered mass surveillance during recent youth protests in New Delhi.

Student activist Aishe Ghosh filed a petition with the Delhi High Court seeking to declare the police’s mass surveillance of demonstrators unconstitutional. The lawsuit requests the immediate destruction of all personal and biometric data collected during the demonstrations and asks the court to establish clear binding guidelines governing the use of surveillance technologies at public gatherings.

The controversy intensified after photographs circulated showing a mobile police surveillance unit, branded “Ikshana” and developed alongside security firm CP Plus, deployed at the main protest site. The vehicle featured telescopic masts providing 360-degree coverage, AI-powered cameras, and real-time facial recognition capabilities that displayed face accuracy metrics to match attendees against law enforcement databases.

Furthermore, police officers were documented recording the social media handles of arriving participants. Digital rights organisations, including the Internet Freedom Foundation, have formally requested the Delhi Police Commissioner to delete all biometric data gathered during the events.

Advocates emphasise that India currently lacks a dedicated legal framework governing police deployment of facial recognition systems, making such intrusive measures disproportionate and illegal.

During court proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended law enforcement actions, arguing that expectations of privacy at a public gathering were misplaced and asserting that the security measures were absolutely necessary in the interest of public order.

Delhi Police maintained that the technology was used solely to identify individuals with criminal histories and count crowd size without restricting freedoms.

The court challenge continues despite the end of the student demonstrations, which were triggered by widespread examination paper leaks in national competitive tests.

The protests culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the announcement of a government panel tasked with overhauling the national examination system.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye form military pow…

    ByJustpaste.in

    According to the Global Firepower Index, the combined military capabilities of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have become more significant following the signing of a mutual defence agreement between the three countries. The assessment describes the agreement as more than a conventional defence arrangement, saying it represents an effort to bring the military capabilities of three major regional powers into a coordinated defence partnership. Together, the three countries have approximately 1.4 million active military personnel, around 3,415 military aircraft, 6,046 tanks and 344 naval assets, according to the assessment. Pakistan plays a major role in the partnership, with around 660,000 active military personnel and a nuclear capability that significantly strengthens the combined strategic deterrence of the three countries. Türkiye contributes a strong defence industry and advanced military capabilities. It has around 192 naval assets and substantial expertise in drones, missiles, sensors and electronic warfare. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, provides the largest financial contribution to the partnership. Its annual defence budget is estimated at around $63.9 billion. The kingdom’s strategic geographical position also gives it considerable importance within the proposed defence partnership. The combined annual defence spending of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye is estimated at approximately $124.4 billion. The figures indicate that the three countries collectively possess substantial manpower, air power, land forces and naval capabilities. Their combined resources could provide the partnership with greater strategic weight in regional security matters. The assessment also highlights the different strengths each country could bring to the alliance. Pakistan contributes significant manpower and nuclear deterrence, Türkiye offers defence technology and military-industrial capabilities, while Saudi Arabia provides substantial financial resources and strategic geographic importance. Together, these capabilities could create a broader and more diversified defence partnership among the three countries.

  • |

    Shoaib Akhtar calls for transparent probe into PIMS tragedy

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan Test cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has expressed deep shock and grief over the deaths of 15 newborn babies in the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Akhtar described the incident as an extremely painful and heartbreaking tragedy. He said the loss of newborn children was devastating and called for a strict and transparent investigation into the incident. Akhtar stressed that those responsible for any negligence or failure should be identified through the investigation. He said accountability was necessary to ensure that such a tragic incident does not happen again. The former cricketer also expressed solidarity with the parents and families who lost their newborn children in the fire. “I share the grief of all the parents and families who have lost their newborn children in such a painful manner,” Akhtar said, while praying that Allah Almighty grant them patience and strength to endure the loss. The PIMS fire has sparked widespread grief and anger across Pakistan, with citizens, political figures and public personalities demanding a thorough investigation and accountability. The incident has also raised questions about safety arrangements, emergency response systems and the overall preparedness of major public hospitals to deal with emergencies.

  • | |

    PTI infighting deepens as Raja, Yousafzai trade al…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Internal differences within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have intensified after a public dispute between central secretary-general Salman Akram Raja and party leader Mashal Yousafzai. The disagreement revolves around allegations linked to party tickets and internal decision-making. Both leaders have exchanged strong statements, further highlighting tensions within the party. Mashal Yousafzai had accused Salman Akram Raja of involvement in what she described as the sale of party tickets. Raja rejected the allegation and responded sharply. Raja questioned the credibility of the accusation. He said those who could not afford even a small amount to pursue a legal case had resorted to making serious allegations against him. He also questioned Yousafzai’s knowledge of the circumstances surrounding her Senate position. Raja said she did not know who had played a role in getting her elected to the Senate. Raja further stated that decisions regarding Yousafzai had been made on the instructions of PTI founder Imran Khan. He said he did not possess the authority to remove Yousafzai from the Senate. He added that not taking action against her at the party level was an act of leniency on his part. Yousafzai rejected Raja’s claims and responded with allegations of her own. She claimed that Raja had apologised to Imran Khan on one occasion but later resumed making public statements against her and others. Yousafzai also challenged Raja to take action against her if he believed he had the authority to remove her from the party. The dispute has attracted attention because both figures hold prominent positions within PTI circles. Their public exchange has brought internal disagreements into the open at a time when the party is already facing political and organisational challenges. PTI worker Shandana Gulzar also joined the debate. Gulzar accused Raja of making an incorrect statement about financial matters. She questioned the handling of funds allegedly received from the United States. She asked where the millions of rupees allegedly coming from the US had gone. Gulzar suggested that disclosure of the facts could create serious problems for those involved. The allegations made by the PTI figures have not been independently established. The dispute remains centred on competing claims made by the individuals involved. The latest confrontation has nevertheless raised questions about internal discipline and decision-making within the party.

  • | | |

    NCCIA Punjab arrests 4 in cybercrime crackdown

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) Punjab has arrested four suspects during coordinated enforcement operations conducted in Lahore and Multan as part of its ongoing campaign against serious cybercrime. The cases involve the alleged trafficking of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), online harassment of a minor, cyber blackmail, and the unlawful sharing of intimate digital content. In the most significant operation, NCCIA investigators in Lahore arrested a suspect accused of possessing and distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material, including illegal content depicting the sexual abuse of children and animals. According to investigators, the material was allegedly circulated through online platforms for commercial purposes. Mobile devices and other electronic evidence were seized during the operation and have been sent for forensic examination. Investigators are working to identify additional victims, trace the origin of the material, and determine whether other individuals were involved. Child Sexual Abuse Material is regarded worldwide as one of the most serious forms of online criminal exploitation. The production, possession, distribution, or sale of such material is treated as a major criminal offence by law enforcement agencies across the globe. In a separate operation in Lahore, NCCIA officers arrested another suspect accused of using social media to harass and intimidate a minor. Investigators collected digital evidence that will form part of the continuing criminal investigation. In Multan, two additional suspects were taken into custody in separate investigations involving the alleged blackmail of female victims through private photographs and videos. Investigators allege that the suspects used WhatsApp and other online platforms to issue threats and unlawfully share sensitive digital content. Electronic devices and other evidentiary material were recovered during the operations, and forensic analysis is continuing. Director NCCIA Punjab Muhammad Ali Wasim said the agency will continue to pursue individuals involved in child exploitation, cyber extortion, online harassment, and related offences. He said crimes involving Child Sexual Abuse Material demand an immediate and uncompromising law enforcement response because of the serious harm they inflict on children. He also encouraged parents and members of the public to remain alert, supervise children’s online activity, and promptly report suspected cybercrime so that timely legal action can be taken.

  • |

    Benjamin Netanyahu sparks diplomatic backlash after labelling UK an “Islamic republic”

    ByJustpaste.in

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has drawn widespread criticism following a radio interview in which he referred to the United Kingdom as the “Islamic republic of Britain” and suggested it could become the first Islamic republic with nuclear capabilities. The remarks, delivered during a broadcast on Israel’s Army Radio, have drawn condemnation for echoing far-right Islamophobic rhetoric. During the exchange, Netanyahu contrasted media coverage of the 1967 Arab-Israeli war with modern British politics, questioning whether contemporary UK figures would offer similar support. Pressed by the interviewer on whether such dynamics applied to Europe as a whole, Netanyahu doubled down, repeating the assertion regarding Britain’s nuclear status. His comments notably ignored the fact that Pakistan, officially an Islamic republic, has possessed a nuclear arsenal since the late 1990s. The incident has heightened existing diplomatic tensions between London and Jerusalem. The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office described the statement as completely unacceptable and confirmed the matter had been raised directly with the Israeli government. Domestically, Israeli opposition figures criticized Netanyahu for alienating a strategic international partner amid mounting diplomatic isolation.

  • | |

    UN raises alarm, 2 aid mission staff detained in A…

    ByJustpaste.in

    NEW YORK: The United Nations has called for the immediate protection of its personnel in Afghanistan after two staff members of the UN aid mission were detained by the country’s intelligence authorities. The UN said the two personnel were taken into custody but have not been informed of the allegations or charges against them. The organisation also said it has so far been denied access to the detained staff members. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the detentions and urged Afghan authorities to respect the special legal status of UN personnel. Guterres called on the Taliban authorities to fully uphold the privileges and immunities granted to the United Nations and its staff under international agreements. The UN has continued to provide humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan despite the country’s difficult security and political environment. The detention of its personnel has raised concerns about the ability of international organisations to operate safely and independently in the country. The circumstances surrounding the arrests and the identities of the detained personnel have not been disclosed publicly, while the United Nations continues to seek access to them.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *