Amit Shah signs exemptions for 422 foreign tech items including Cellebrite tools
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· IT, AI, semiconductors & computing· Prelims + Mains·
State security vs. privacy: a GS3 and Ethics case study on forensic surveillance and procurement policy.
Why in news
Home Minister Amit Shah signed exemptions from 'Make in India' procurement rules to allow government agencies to purchase 422 foreign technology items, including Cellebrite tools, despite concerns over lack of oversight.
Background
The exemptions allow government agencies to bypass 'Make in India' rules for 422 foreign tech items. The Internet Freedom Foundation reported that these tools, including those from Israeli firm Cellebrite, can extract cloud-based data from platforms like Instagram and Tinder.
Facts for Prelims
- Fact422 foreign technology items were exempted from 'Make in India' procurement rules.
- PostAmit Shah holds the position of Home Minister.
- S&TCellebrite is an Israeli firm providing tools for extracting cloud-based data.
- BodyInternet Freedom Foundation is the body that investigated the lack of oversight on these tools.
Prelims practice question
Which organization reported concerns regarding the lack of oversight on the exempted forensic surveillance tools?
- (a)Cyber Security Council
- (b)Internet Freedom Foundation
- (c)Digital Rights Watch
- (d)National Security Bureau
Show answer
Answer: (b) Internet Freedom Foundation — The Internet Freedom Foundation reported that these tools can extract cloud-based data despite a lack of oversight.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the tension between state security requirements and individual privacy rights in the context of the use of advanced forensic surveillance technologies by government agencies.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Oversight gap: Absence of specific legislative frameworks or judicial warrants for cloud-based data extraction
- Procurement trade-off: Balancing 'Make in India' objectives against the immediate technical requirements of security agencies
- Privacy erosion: Potential for unauthorized access to personal data on social media and dating platforms
Keywords: Digital surveillance · Data privacy · Legislative oversight · Forensic technology · Procurement policy
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