Ethics Theory, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 5. In recent times, the rise of digital surveillance and data misuse poses serious ethical challenges. How should public institutions balance national security, privacy rights, and transparency in this context? (150 words, 10 marks)
Introduction
Digital surveillance involves monitoring digital data for governance or security. As per Freedom House (2023), over 70% of internet users are under regimes using advanced surveillance, raising critical concerns about privacy and overreach.
Body
Ethical Dilemmas in Digital Surveillance and Data Misuse
Public institutions today face the difficult task of maintaining security without undermining democratic values and individual rights.
- Conflict Between Security and Privacy: National security measures may infringe upon individual privacy and freedoms. Example: The Pegasus case showed surveillance of activists and journalists without clear legal backing.
- Lack of Informed Consent: Citizens often don’t know how their data is gathered or used, breaching autonomy. Example: Many pandemic-era apps collected sensitive data with vague privacy policies.
- Opacity and Trust Deficit: Hidden surveillance programs reduce public confidence in institutions. Example: Facial recognition used in public areas without public or legislative debate.
- Exclusion and Discrimination: Surveillance tools can reinforce bias, targeting specific communities unfairly. Example: Predictive policing systems have been shown to disproportionately affect minorities.
- Weak Data Protection Frameworks: Absence of clear legal safeguards allows potential data misuse. The 2nd ARC underlines the need for ethical guardrails in adopting digital technologies.
Balancing Security, Privacy, and Transparency
A calibrated approach rooted in democratic accountability and ethical reasoning is the need of the hour.
- Legal Safeguards and Oversight Mechanisms: Surveillance must have legal basis, judicial approval, and independent checks. Example: The 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection Act outlines limits on state access.
- Institutional Transparency and Public Disclosures: Agencies should release regular updates on surveillance practices. Example: US intelligence agencies issue public annual surveillance reports as a transparency measure.
- Privacy by Design and Ethical Tech Use: Digital platforms must minimize data use and protect user identities. Example: CoWIN used encryption and access controls during the vaccine campaign.
- Digital Literacy and Public Awareness: Citizens should understand how their data is collected and protected. Example: “Digital India” can include data ethics in its outreach and training.
- Independent Regulators and Accountability: Strong, autonomous data protection bodies can check misuse. Example: A GDPR-style data authority in India would enforce accountability and deterrence.
Conclusion
As Christian Lous Lange warned, “Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.” This dichotomy lies at the heart of debates on digital surveillance, demanding balance, accountability, and a rights-based approach.
