Relevance for UPSC: GS II (Polity & Governance), GS III (Internal Security, Cybersecurity), Ethics (Surveillance vs Liberty) | Source: The Hindu ; BPR&D – Data on Police Organisations

Context

Indian States have significantly expanded social media monitoring cells within police forces to track cybercrime, misinformation, hate speech, radicalisation, and law-and-order threats. According to Data on Police Organisations (DoPO), such cells increased from 262 in 2020 to 365 in 2024 across States and Union Territories. This reflects the shift of crime and mobilisation to digital platforms.

Rationale for Expansion

  • Digital crime rise: Cyber frauds, impersonation, phishing, online extortion.
  • Public order management: Monitoring rumours and fake news during protests and violence.
  • Internal security: Early detection of extremist narratives and coordinated mobilisation.
  • Policing modernisation: Integration with cybercrime police stations and data analytics.

Legal & Constitutional Framework

  • Article 19(1)(a) with reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2).
  • Article 21: Right to privacy (K.S. Puttaswamy, 2017).
  • Information Technology Act, 2000 (Sections 69, 79).
  • IT Rules, 2021: Due diligence and content takedown.

Governance Concerns

Risks of over-surveillance, chilling effect on free speech, and limited independent oversight.

Way Forward: Proportionate surveillance, clear SOPs, judicial oversight, capacity building, and alignment with the Digital Personal Data Protection framework.

UPSC Value Box

  • Social media monitoring cells increased sharply post-2020.
  • Surveillance must satisfy legality, necessity, and proportionality.

Key Institution / Law

  • Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) under Ministry of Home Affairs; Information Technology Act, 2000.

Caution:  “Digital policing is essential for internal security, but unchecked surveillance can undermine constitutional liberties.”

Q. The principle of proportionality in surveillance was emphasised by the Supreme Court in which case?
A. Maneka Gandhi
B. PUCL vs Union of India
C. K.S. Puttaswamy
D. Anuradha Bhasin

Correct Answer: C

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