Digi Yatra, launched in Indian airports to facilitate check-in through facial recognition, has prompted concerns about the misuse of biometric data by private entities. Ministries have emphasized the need for regulatory safeguards while suggesting the app may become the primary method for check-in, raising questions about voluntary participation. The lack of a comprehensive legal framework for biometric data usage, particularly in law enforcement, poses risks to personal liberty under Indian law.
Digi Yatra, a facial recognition technology app implemented in Indian airports to facilitate passenger check-ins and boarding processes, raises concerns regarding the potential misuse of biometric data by private entities. The Ministries of IT, Civil Aviation, and Home Affairs have submitted recommendations aimed at addressing these concerns during a study conducted by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy with Niti Aayog’s financial support. As of now, the app has been downloaded over 5.5 million times, with more than 30 million passenger uses at 24 airports since its launch in December 2022. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has called for stringent regulations to protect individuals’ biometric data from potential exploitation, emphasizing the need for regulations that were not included in the current draft of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act. This advocacy for a regulatory framework aligns with the ongoing debate about data privacy in the age of technology. Conversely, the Ministry of Civil Aviation suggests that Digi Yatra will become the standard method for check-ins across all Indian airports, even as they maintain that participation will remain voluntary for travelers. Critics have raised alarms about the implications of using facial recognition technology within law enforcement, particularly in the absence of a comprehensive legal framework governing its usage. The Ministry of Home Affairs notes that while facial recognition technology can significantly aid law enforcement, its deployment currently exists in a legal gray area that potentially violates constitutional rights, specifically Article 21, which protects personal liberty. The presence of automated biometric systems in public spaces has sparked discussions among cybersecurity experts regarding the need for robust data privacy laws to ensure that core biometric data such as facial recognition is not handled carelessly or maliciously. As noted by experts, the framework currently in place under the DPDP Act fails to provide adequate protections against potential misuse of sensitive personal data.
Digi Yatra is an initiative launched by the Indian government to enhance the efficiency of air travel using facial recognition technology for check-ins and boarding. The app aims to streamline airport processes while promoting a paperless experience. Despite its advantages, significant concerns have been raised about data privacy and the potential misuse of biometric information by private companies and government agencies. The response from various ministries indicates an awareness of these issues, yet the lack of established regulations highlights a gap that needs addressing to ensure user safety and privacy.
In summary, while Digi Yatra presents an innovative solution to modernizing the air travel experience in India through biometric technology, it also reveals significant concerns regarding data privacy and protections against misuse. With numerous stakeholders highlighting the need for regulatory frameworks, the future of facial recognition technology in aviation hinges on the government’s ability to strike a balance between technological advancement and the safeguarding of individual rights.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
