DTH chip an assault on privacy, says Congress

New Delhi: The Congress on Monday attacked the Narendra Modi government over its proposal to install a chip in television set-top boxes to ascertain viewership data, dubbing the move a serious breach of privacy and the “next stage of surveillance”. In a Twitter post, Congress communications chief Randeep Singh Surjewala referred to the Modi government as a “surveillance sarkar” which had shattered the right to privacy to pieces.

“BREAKING! The Next Stage of Surveillance by BJP Revealed!  In a serious breach of privacy, Smriti Iraniji wants to know what show you watch on your TV, within the four walls of your bedroom, without your permission! Why? Ab ki baar Surveillance sarkar’. The right to privacy broken into pieces,” he tweeted. This newspaper was the first to report that the information and broadcasting ministry has proposed installing a chip in new television set-top boxes which will provide data about channels watched and for how long. The Congress had already been attacking the government for intruding into the personal space of citizens. Such a proposal has all the makings of turning into a political hot potato.

A senior I&B official said the move was aimed at getting “more authentic” viewership figures for every channel. “This would help advertisers and DAVP to spend their advertising expenditure wisel,” he added.