NEW DELHI: Here we find out how the recent changes in India's national IT law affects the internet industry -- and its different arms.
Who gains, who loses
Measure: Electronic service providers to maintain transactions, receipts, vouchers in specific formats. The records should be produced for inspection and audit by a government nominated agency or person. Government can audit security and privacy protection measures.
Impact on Corporates: Increases costs for Intermediaries since they would have to keep electronic records now.
User Impact: All their transaction data will be kept for access for a time. Ensures a more secure environment.
Measure: Corporates who collect, or handle, personal information should get permission from citizens through letter, fax or email. Sensitive personal data includes passwords, financial information, physical, physiological, medical records and biometric information.
Impact on Corporates: All domestic/international BPOs which collect information on behalf of banks, financial companies, will have to take user consent. More cost, administrative hassles and implementation difficulties
User Impact: More secure personal information. Misuse of sensitive data largely minimised
Measure: Intermediaries must publish rules and regulations, privacy policy and user agreement for access.
Impact on websites: All websites will have to take legal help to draft privacy policies and user agreement. They will have a safe harbour in case of legal dispute.
User impact: Users would be more aware of consequences of accessing a website. Will shift the onus of infringement on user, once he accepts the terms of access.
Measure: If an intermediary receives a complaint, it must act within 36 hours and also store such information for 90 days. Each website to have a grievance officer.
Impact on websites: They will have to keep a team to monitor & take off content whenever reported unlawful.
Impact on users: Faster resolution of disputes. But freedom of speech can be curbed if controversial blogs and article posts are removed on flimsy complaints. Rights of different user groups can be hurt and protected at the same time.
Measure: Cyber cafes must register with a government appointed agency. They must identify every customer and keep a user record for a year. Computer screens must face the open area of the cafe. Cubicles must not be more than 4.5 ft high. Cafes will be inspected by a government agency.
Impact on websites: Government control can stifle entrepreneurship in the sector. Bureaucracy will encourage corruption.
User impact: Users may face problems to internet access if they don't possess and ID card. Minors won't be allowed access alone, unless accompanied by an adult. May stifle internet access in the country.
No comments:
Post a Comment