Activists in India are challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government over the use of artificial intelligence-powered surveillance during a major youth protest in New Delhi over exam paper leaks. The controversy erupted when demonstrators posted social media photographs of a mobile police surveillance van equipped with cameras on a telescopic mast providing a 360-degree view of the gathering. Student activist Aishe Ghosh has asked the Delhi High Court to declare mass surveillance of protesters unconstitutional, direct the destruction of all collected personal data, and order the framing of usage guidelines. Ghosh is pressing ahead with the court case despite the protest ending following the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Digital rights advocates argue that India lacks legislation governing the use of facial recognition technology by police, while the government maintains that its surveillance checks were legal and necessary to ensure law and order.

Background: Surveillance and Smart Cities

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