Ravi Shankar Prasad says India won’t tolerate abuse of data to influence elections 

Ravi Shankar Prasad.

The minister of information technology, Ravi Shankar Prasad, on Monday, said that social-media platforms are welcome to do business in India, which celebrates freedom of ideas, but New Delhi will not tolerate any abuse of data to influence elections nor allow “data imperialism”. This comment came in reference with the social-media platforms coming under government over the privacy concerns and potential for their misuse ahead of Lok Sabha election, which will be held in April-May.

The IT minister said, “Any kind of data imperialism will not be acceptable … We believe in equality … If you go like that, a proper norm will come. Election Commission is equally aware of that … and in no manner whatsoever the data of Indians will be allowed to be abused to influence elections.”

Over the issue of draft Data Protection Bill, Prasad said that most of the consultations, including those with state governments and other ministries, were complete and now the “nuts and bolts” must be tightened before it is taken to the Cabinet. He further said, “The whole world is awaiting India’s data-protection law.”

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