Balancing Surveillance and Civil Liberties in a Digital State
As India rapidly embraces digital governance, technologies such as facial recognition, CCTV networks, artificial intelligence, and digital databases have significantly enhanced the state’s ability to prevent crime and strengthen internal security. However, these advancements also raise critical concerns about privacy, data protection, surveillance overreach, and civil liberties. This article examines the delicate balance between national security and individual rights, analyses India’s legal and constitutional framework, explores emerging challenges in the digital age, and highlights the way forward for ensuring accountable, transparent, and rights-based surveillance.