Since its launch in December 2022, the Digi Yatra app has gained significant traction.
Recent inputs from the ministries of IT, Civil Aviation, and Home shed light on potential risks associated with the app.
A study on Digi Yatra has raised alarms about the misuse of biometric data.
You must be familiar with Digi Yatra and may even be using it during your air travel. Since its launch in December 2022, the app has gained significant traction, with over 55 lakh downloads and more than 3 crore passengers using it at 24 airports across India. While Digi Yatra promises convenience, there are growing concerns about how it handles biometric data, specifically facial recognition technology.
Recent inputs from the ministries of IT, Civil Aviation, and Home shed light on potential risks associated with the app. A study on Digi Yatra, conducted by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy with funding from Niti Aayog, has raised alarms about the misuse of biometric data. The findings, obtained by The Indian Express through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, reveal that these ministries have flagged serious concerns regarding how private entities might exploit this sensitive information.
Also read: How will the DigiYatra app revolutionise air travel?
Between August and October 2022, these ministries submitted their observations, urging the need for stronger regulations to prevent abuse of data collected through facial recognition technology. The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), in particular, highlighted the necessity for specific policies to safeguard individuals from potential misuse by private organizations and non-state entities like the DigiYatra Foundation. These submissions were made by MeitY around the same period when data protection law was being drafted. However, it did not incorporate these specific safeguards into the legislation.
The study underscores the importance of establishing robust safeguards to protect biometric data as the Digi Yatra app becomes a central tool for airport check-ins and boarding. As the technology becomes more widespread, the need for clear regulations and oversight is critical to ensure that your personal information remains secure and is not used for unintended purposes.
As we continue to embrace digital solutions like Digi Yatra for a smoother travel experience, it’s crucial to stay informed about how our data is managed and to advocate for necessary protections to prevent misuse.
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Ayushi Jain
Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile
