Modi govt is 'surveillance sarkar', says Congress
What's the story
The Congress today attacked the Modi government over its proposal to install a chip in television set-top boxes to ascertain viewership data, dubbing the move a serious breach of privacy and the "next stage of surveillance". Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala alleged that Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani now wanted to know what shows people watch within the four walls of their bedrooms.
Surveillance
The next stage of surveillance by BJP revealed: Surjewala
In a Twitter post, Surjewala referred to the Modi government as the "surveillance sarkar" which had shattered to pieces the right to privacy. "BREAKING! The Next Stage of Surveillance by BJP Revealed! In a serious breach of privacy, Smriti Iraniji wants to know what show you watch on your TV, within the four walls of your bedroom, without your permission! Why?" he tweeted.
Authentication
Move aimed at getting "more authentic", says I&B Ministry
"'Ab ki baar Surveillance sarkar'. The right to privacy broken into pieces," Surjewala tweeted. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has proposed installing a chip in new television set-top boxes which will provide data about channels watched and for how long. A senior official of the Ministry said the move is aimed at getting "more authentic" viewership figures for every channel.
Information
Move would help advertisers and the DAVP
"This would help advertisers and the DAVP to spend their advertising expenditure wisely. Only those channels which are widely watched will get promoted," the I&B Ministry official added.
Set-top boxes
DTH operators asked to install chip in new set-top boxes
The Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) is the nodal agency of the government for advertising by various ministries and its organizations. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry told the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), "It is also proposed to ask DTH operators to install a chip in the new set-top boxes which can give data about channels watched and their duration."
Information
Proposal part of TRAI's recommendations
The proposal was part of the I&B Ministry's response to a number of recommendations made by the TRAI on the issues related to the new direct-to-home licenses.