​Violating freedom of speech

(Source: BCCL)

UIDAI’s aim was to conduct a ‘sentiment analysis’ and ‘flag any discrepancy in sentiments’ trend’. In addition to spotting these attitudes, the companies would also then have to come up with ways to address and ‘neutralise negative sentiments’.

Even though UIDAI stated that they wouldn’t be monitoring private conversations, only what has been publicly posted — the agency’s proposed social listening tool still violates an individual’s freedom of speech.

“The right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek and receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers,” according to the Indian Constitution.

The Supreme Court has also widened the definition to mention that the government has no monopoly on electronic media.