Modi govt spying on Indians using tools from Israeli firms: Report
New Delhi: India is reportedly intercepting personal data through a 'backdoor' that allows the government to spy on its 1.4 billion citizens, according to a report by the Financial Times. This surveillance system is facilitated by hardware installed at subsea cable landing stations, which connect the country to the rest of the world. These installations can search, copy, and transmit data to security agencies when needed, often utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics.
The growth of India's communications market has attracted various companies seeking to sell surveillance tools, including domestic firms like Vehere, as well as international companies such as Israel's Cognyte and Septier. Concerns have been raised about the potential misuse of these technologies, especially given the increased powers granted to authorities under India's new data protection law.
The report highlights how India openly requires telecom companies to install surveillance technology at subsea cable landing stations and data centers. These installations are approved by the Government of India as a condition of operation. While the Indian government insists that surveillance is strictly controlled and monitored, critics argue that these safeguards may not be sufficient to prevent abuse.
India's rules for lawful interception enable security and law enforcement agencies to access data without obtaining a court order. Critics claim that the requirement to seek permission from the Home Secretary lacks clarity and fails to distinguish between targeted and mass surveillance.
The Modi government has faced previous controversies, including the Pegasus scandal, where a hacking tool was found on journalists' and activists' phones. With the new data protection law in place, concerns have grown over the broad powers given to authorities for bypassing privacy safeguards.
Companies like Vehere and Septier have been active in the Indian market, offering interception technology and monitoring solutions to telecom companies. Israeli firms, in particular, have gained popularity due to their willingness to conduct business.
While the Indian government and the companies involved have not responded to the Financial Times' inquiries, it's evident that the surveillance landscape in India is evolving, raising questions about privacy, regulation, and government oversight.
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Austrian police detain suspect in case of rat poison found in baby food jars on supermarket shelves
Vienna (AP): Police in eastern Austria say a 39-year-old suspect has been arrested after rat poison turned up in some HiPP baby food jars on supermarket shelves in central Europe.
HiPP, which recalled some of its baby food jars in Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic after the case came to light last month, said in a statement Saturday it was “greatly relieved” by the arrest, and would provide further updates as verified details come in.
The Burgenland State Criminal Police Office, under the direction of prosecutors, said a probe was launched after poison turned up in a baby food jar purchased at a supermarket in the city of Eisenstadt on April 18.
It said the suspect was being questioned, and that no further details would be immediately provided. The Burgenland public prosecutor's office has announced an investigation into suspected “intentional endangerment of the public.”
The Austrian Press Agency reported that an expert report on the toxicity of the poison was pending. A total of five tampered baby food jars were seized before they could be consumed, APA reported.
Authorities said previously they believe the tampering occurred in 190-gram (6.7-ounce) jars of baby food made with carrots and potatoes for 5-month-olds that were sold from SPAR supermarkets in Austria.
HiPP responded by recalling all of its baby food jars sold at SPAR supermarkets — which include SPAR, EUROSPAR, INTERSPAR and Maximarkt stores — in Austria as a precaution. Vendors in Slovakia and the Czech Republic also removed all of the brand's baby jars from sale.
The company said the recall was not due to any product or quality defect on its part, and said the jars left its facility in “perfect condition.”
Police said a customer at the time of the discovery had reported that a jar appeared to have been tampered with, but no one had consumed the baby food.
