NHRC Chairman Urges Law Students to Guard Privacy in Digital Era
In a compelling address at JSS Law College in Mysuru, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) chairman Justice V Ramasubramanian highlighted the critical role of individual responsibility in safeguarding privacy amidst growing digital threats. Speaking on Saturday during a lecture titled "Privacy, Technology, and Surveillance: The Future of Human Rights in the Digital Age," he cautioned law students against the hidden dangers of free online products and services.
Privacy Begins with Personal Accountability
Justice Ramasubramanian stressed that privacy protection does not solely rely on legal frameworks or state interventions but starts with each person's vigilance. "If one does not care about their own data, no legal system can fully protect them," he asserted, underscoring the need for proactive measures in the digital landscape. He drew a poignant parallel between "piracy" and "privacy," noting their similar sounds are not coincidental. "If we are not bothered about committing piracy, others may not be bothered about infringing our privacy. That is the first moral lesson in the digital world," he remarked, urging ethical behavior online.
Risks of Free Downloads and Services
The chairman pointed out that many individuals opt for free articles, music, downloads, and services over paid alternatives, often unaware of the consequences. Recalling a discussion with an information technologist, he warned, "If somebody is giving a product or service free of cost, then the real product is you." He explained that clicking on free downloads activates cookies, grants permissions, and initiates data transfers without full user awareness, labeling this as the "first level of privacy infringement." Justice Ramasubramanian criticized the common complaint that companies or governments steal data, arguing that risks frequently stem from user carelessness.
Cybercrime Consequences and Prevention
Citing numerous cybercrime cases, he detailed how stolen data, hacked devices, and leaked images can lead to severe outcomes such as blackmail, humiliation, and financial loss. "Downloading a free app is like leaving your door open for thieves," he cautioned, emphasizing that cybercriminals exploit such vulnerabilities to access personal information easily. He urged students to recognize that free apps come with hidden costs, advocating for greater awareness and cautious online practices to mitigate these threats.
The event was attended by JSS Law College Principal N Vanishree, reinforcing the importance of such discussions in educational settings. Justice Ramasubramanian's insights serve as a timely reminder for all, especially future legal professionals, to prioritize data security in an increasingly interconnected world.
