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- National CCTV Audit | Pakistan Spy Racket | Hack Proof Cameras From April
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After the revelation of espionage racket linked to Pakistan in Ghaziabad adjacent to Delhi, questions have been raised on the security of CCTV system. Investigation revealed that live footage of cameras installed at sensitive places was being sent across the border to Pakistan.
After this, the Central Government has decided to investigate the CCTV network across the country. According to sources, the Home Ministry in collaboration with IB and other agencies is preparing to start the audit of CCTV networks across the country.
And from April 1, only those cameras will be sold which pass the government security check (STQC certification). This means that the camera will be tested in a government lab. If the camera cannot be hacked, then only it will be able to sell it.
Even in India, 80% of the cameras are from China, due to which there is a risk of data theft. At present, there are only 53 models of 7 companies which have been considered certified and safe.
Chinese cameras banned in many countries
Chinese CCTV cameras are banned in America, Britain and Australia due to security reasons.
What are the rules in India
IT Act, 66E: Recording or sharing of private spaces (bathroom/bedroom) without permission may result in action.
IT Rules, 2011: It is the responsibility of the person installing the camera to keep the footage safe.
Article 21: Right to privacy is a fundamental right, one cannot be monitored inside one’s home.
biggest challenge- There are only 15 labs in the country for testing CCTV, where many applications are pending.
Which cameras are safe? At present only 53 models of 7 companies are STQC certified.
People’s privacy is also at risk
Cases of personal data leaking from CCTV systems have also come to light. An example of Israel hacking Iran’s traffic cameras and tracking VIP movements has come to light.
At the same time, at Sonipat railway station, a person infiltrated the surveillance system and accessed the live feed of the cameras and recorded the footage of the passengers and shared it on the digital platform. This is a direct violation of privacy. The misuse of footage that could reveal a person’s identity is illegal under the 2023 Data Protection Act.
According to Supreme Court lawyer and cyber security expert Virag Gupta, just selling secure cameras is not enough. Strict laws and heavy penalties will be required to prevent misuse of data.
How were the footage being sent from India to Pakistan?
In fact, recently a case of espionage came to light in Sahibabad area of Ghaziabad, UP after the information of a beat constable. Investigation found that small cameras powered by solar power were installed around sensitive areas.
These cameras were connected to foreign servers through the Internet. Their live feed was being sent directly to Pakistan, posing a threat to the internal security of the country.
So far 22 people have been arrested in this case. Women and minors were also included in the network. Many cameras and electronic devices have been seized and sent for forensic examination.
Lack of standard protocol
The investigation also revealed that CCTVs have been installed across the country by different agencies, but there is no integrated database or clear control system. This is the reason why there are flaws in the surveillance system at many places, which have now become a security risk.
After the audit report, the government can implement integrated network system with unique registration, real-time monitoring and cyber security standards.
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