Mapping troubles

The draft Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, 2016, published by the home ministry with a 30-day deadline for comments and suggestions, envisages the setting up of a “Security Vetting Authority of Geospatial Information of India” that will be the only approving authority for any map, chart, survey, etc., of India that Internet companies like Google or publications like National Geographic, and even ordinary road map makers want to publish, not to mention Wikipedia. Everyone will, if the bill goes through in its present form, have to apply for a licence to use India’s geospatial information which will be owned by the government. In effect, it means that the government of India alone has the rights over India’s geospatial data. The government’s concern about the impunity with which India’s geographical boundaries are drawn, with Jammu and Kashmir shown as part of Pakistan and Arunachal Pradesh as part of China, is understandable. Also, the country’s security installations are a major issue.

But whether this bill is the solution needs a rethink. How is the government going to implement this, as most Internet companies, for instance, are based in the US. Also, seven years’ imprisonment and fines ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 100 crore seem rather harsh.

What is intriguing is that even entities outside India wanting to publish maps of India will have to apply for a licence from the vetting authority. How the government will ensure this remains a mystery as it is uncharted territory. It would be interesting to see what the final bill looks like and what the reactions from affected parties will be.