Indian activists are challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government over the use of AI-powered surveillance at the country’s largest youth protests in decades. One court case could test federal powers even after the demonstrations concluded.
The controversy over surveillance arose during last week’s student protests over exam paper leaks, when images circulated on social media showing a mobile police van equipped with cameras on a telescoping mast providing a 360-degree view of the assembly.
Student activist Aishe Ghosh has petitioned the Delhi High Court to declare mass surveillance of protesters unconstitutional. She is demanding the destruction of all personal data collected during the protest and calling for guidelines governing the use of surveillance technology.
Despite the protest ending following Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation—an unusual setback for Modi—the case continues. Modi has since announced a panel to overhaul India’s exam system, which had been plagued by cheating.
India currently lacks legislation regulating police use of facial recognition technology. Activists assert that surveillance at the main protest site in New Delhi violated existing laws.
The government defends the actions, stating they were legal and necessary to maintain law and order. Critics, including opposition parties and digital rights advocates, often accuse Modi’s administration of expanding surveillance powers and tightly controlling digital communications, a charge the government denies, asserting its actions serve the public interest.
During a recent court hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended police practices, arguing that privacy claims at a public event were “ironic” and that such measures were “absolutely necessary” for legitimate state interests.
In a subsequent brief, the judges heard Ghosh argue that broad, intrusive surveillance was disproportionate and requested transparency regarding the government’s policies on monitoring protests. They are scheduled to resume hearings soon.
The Internet Freedom Foundation, a digital rights group based in New Delhi, sent a letter demanding the deletion of biometric data collected at the protest site. Delhi police have yet to respond publicly but deny using facial recognition technology to limit protesters’ freedoms.
Experts emphasize that even if national security concerns justify certain surveillance measures, accountability must be maintained equally on both sides. If facial recognition is used against protesters, it should also identify officers involved in excessive force who lacked proper identification badges.
Police were observed collecting Instagram handles of protesters arriving at the site. Inspector Sunil Kumar clarified that these checks aimed to prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from participating.
The police van, branded “Ikshana” (meaning “vision” in Hindi) and bearing the Delhi Police crest, was equipped with advanced AI cameras. Online details about Ikshana are scarce; a 2023 post from its developer, the Indian CCTV company CP Plus, stated these cameras utilized “advanced AI-powered” technology and adjustable lenses, though the company later removed this information.
When a Reuters reporter passed by the van, an internal monitor displayed a face with a green box around it and a “face accuracy” score before the officer inside shut the window. An officer explained that the system helps identify individuals with criminal records and assists in counting protesters.