A case against surveillance

The Centre’s blanket surveillance order was in contravention of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling holding the right to privacy as a fundamental right.

The MHA order vesting 10 central agencies with the power to snoop on computers and phones of citizens will institutionalise surveillance. It is evident from the wording of the order — “to intercept, monitor and decrypt any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer” — that it is amenable to be used indiscriminately.

As ordinary people, we cherish our privacy and find the retrieval of our personal data from our computers dehumanising. Moves like this cumulatively nudge the country to slide into a surveillance state.

We cannot allow the government to trample on rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution in its bid to create the facade of a strong state. Since the right to privacy is inalienable, inviolable and paramount, the government should rescind its snooping order forthwith.

Maruthancode (TN)

The question — Is India becoming a surveillance state? — is fast gaining relevance in the wake of some disturbing developments.

The government’s move to set up a Social Media Monitoring Hub is expected to tap into WhatsApp messages of citizens..

The proposed DNA Technology (use and Application) Regulation Bill 2018 too is fraught with far-reaching implications.

As the Artificial Intelligence makes strides algorithms would be able to easily decifer emotional and intellectual leanings of individuals from DNA profiles making them susceptible to various kinds of manipulations.

The many instances of misuse of of data from sources for political purposes should sensitise to the potential danger of snooping by the state can pose to democracy.

The developments are all the more worrisome as such issues are unlikely to capture the imagination of our law makers in the current politically charged atmosphere in Parliament.

Kannur

It is fact that GST is posing problems both for people and businesses. A uniform lower rate and bringing all products, including fuel, under GST will be a better option.

The Congress has been asking for a cut in GST rates for a long time. It is obvious that with the general election just around the corner, the BJP is resorting to politics of compulsion.

Mumbai

With reference to the Editorial ‘Devilish provisions’ (December 24, it is the timely availability of funds that decides the survival of a start-up. The angel investments — a key lifeline for the entrepreneurs — can make a fertile landscape for the start- ups to grow with ease.

In this context, it is ironic that the Modi government — which is considered to be pro-entrepreneurs and doing every bit to create a strong ecosystem for entrepreneurs — has been actively working towards diminishing the entrepreneurial spirit by taxing the angel investments u/s 56 (2) of the Income Tax Act.

The government, instead, should re-introduce an existing law called 'GAAR' (General Anti-Avoidance Rule) with some amendments to prevent tax-avoidance or money laundering practices.

While the demonetisation has slightly blocked the pipe pumping the surplus money (as investments) from people to small businesses, the the tax on angel investments aggravates the situation further along with GST.

It is unfair that Venture Capitalists (VCs) and Angel Investors are not treated equally as the latter are taxed while the former are not. For the businesses or individuals, there are two ways to face the income tax laws — evasion or compliance.

It is very important to nurture an environment where the tax-laws are framed in such a way that nudges the people towards tax compliance and not tax evasion.

Cuddalore District (TN)

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