Derek O’Brien, a member of the Trinamool Congress, has launched a lawsuit over the alleged privacy violation caused by the exposure of sensitive and private data kept on the Co-WIN site. O’Brien called the breach a “unprecedented situation” with unfathomable repercussions. High-ranking government employees, officials, and unidentified others were named in his complaint to the Lalbazar Cyber Police Station in Kolkata as participants in a broad conspiracy to leak private information. In addition to calling for a probe into the breadth and depth of data leak to both Indian and foreign players, he emphasised that the recent data breach disclosed on Telegram is just the beginning. O’Brien also claimed that high-ranking individuals and government agencies had dishonestly taken and destroyed private information, harming citizens irreparably.
Alleged Data Breach on Co-WIN Portal Raises Concerns of National Security and Privacy
Derek O’Brien, a member of the Trinamool Congress, has voiced alarm over the alleged compromise of personal data kept on the Co-WIN portal, which poses a serious risk to the security and privacy of Indian individuals. O’Brien emphasised in his complaint that not just members of the general public but also top government officials, holders of constitutional positions, and members of parliament had their personal data exposed. In order to avoid disastrous implications for the safety and security of the nation, he emphasised the necessity of taking urgent action. O’Brien also mentioned other reports of data breaches on the Co-WIN portal. However, despite prior assurances from the relevant authorities, recent remarks made by a Union Minister appeared to diminish the gravity of the suspected incident. In a two-page complaint, the MP emphasised the need for a comprehensive inquiry and quick action to remedy the issue.
Must Read: Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Calls for Department of Peace and Nonviolence, Challenges BJP’s Approach
Urgent Investigation Needed in Co-WIN Data Breach Case
Derek O’Brien, a member of parliament for the Trinamool Congress, has criticised the government for its conflicting response to the breach accusations, in which it termed the media stories “baseless and mischievous” while acknowledging that personal information from the Co-WIN portal was released over Telegram. He emphasised the need for an early investigation to clear up any uncertainties and make those responsible accountable, stressing how such contradictory remarks from senior government officials cause alarm and tension among the populace. O’Brien added that people provided their personal information because they trusted the government plan to speed up vaccinations and provide access to life-saving drugs. He noted that people put their trust in the government, hoping for a quick vaccination process, and outlined the numerous identity documents necessary for registration on the Co-WIN site. However, worries regarding the exploitation of personal data have been aroused by the alleged plan to give sensitive information to private players using government resources.
Must Read: CM Bhagwant Mann Condemns Sukhbir Singh Badal’s ‘Madman’ Remark, Report
Criminal Probe Urgently Required in Co-WIN Data Leak Case
Derek O’Brien, a member of parliament for the Trinamool Congress, has demanded an immediate probe into the alleged leak of private information from the Co-WIN portal, calling it as a crime. He emphasised the importance of finding and detaining those who are violating the law by unauthorised accessing, sending, and revealing identity information. O’Brien raised worry about potential threats to India’s safety, security, and residents’ right to privacy, pointing out that the Supreme Court has declared that right to be a fundamental right. When the South Asia Index news portal tweeted that the personal information of politicians, officials, and others had been leaked on Telegram, the data leak allegations first surfaced. Aadhaar, voter identification numbers, passport numbers, and mobile phones of people who received the Covid-19 vaccine were apparently among the data that was released. The CoWIN app or its data, according to Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, have not been directly compromised. He explained that a bot was using a threat actor database to access the material, which appeared to be from previously compromised or stolen sources. The Aarogya Setu and UMANG apps, which give access to different government services, are connected with CoWIN.
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER
