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Showing posts with the label Right to Privacy

Supreme Court Seeks Nationwide Data on ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams

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Introduction The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognizance of the alarming rise in “digital arrest” scams , a new-age cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or judicial authorities to extort money from unsuspecting victims. Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, the apex court has sought detailed information from all states and union territories (UTs) within one week on pending investigations related to such cases. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi has also indicated the possibility of assigning the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to undertake a nationwide probe, given the cross-border nature and complexity of these crimes. Understanding the ‘Digital Arrest’ Phenomenon The term “digital arrest” refers to a sophisticated cybercrime method where perpetrators impersonate police officers, CBI officials, or judges , often using forged court orders , fake video calls , and fabricated legal documents to deceive victims. ...

Delhi High Court Bars Use of Aishwarya Rai’s Name, Image, and Voice Without Consent

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Introduction The Delhi High Court has issued a significant ruling safeguarding the personality and publicity rights of actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan , restraining multiple entities from using her name, image, and voice without prior consent. The judgment reinforces the legal protections available to celebrities against unauthorized commercial exploitation of their identity. Background of the Case Aishwarya Rai Bachchan filed a petition before the Delhi High Court, alleging that several individuals and organizations were illegally using her name, voice, and videos for commercial purposes. The unauthorized usage also included morphed images created using artificial intelligence , some of which were circulated in a pornographic context , thereby causing severe reputational and personal harm. She argued that such actions infringed upon her publicity rights, privacy, and dignity , and sought judicial intervention. The Court’s Observations Justice Tejas Karia delivered a 16-page or...

Nepal's Controversial Social Media Bill: A Step Towards Regulation or Censorship?

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Nepal's Controversial Social Media Bill: A Step Towards Regulation or Censorship? The Nepalese government has introduced the "Social Media Bill" , aiming to regulate digital platforms , enforce user accountability , and curb misinformation . However, critics argue that the bill threatens freedom of speech and privacy , raising concerns about government overreach . Despite strong opposition from political leaders, social media users, and free speech advocates , Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung , tabled the bill in the National Assembly on Sunday, February 2025 . The bill proposes strict licensing rules, content restrictions, and hefty penalties for violating regulations. What Does the Social Media Bill Propose? 🔹 Mandatory Licensing for Social Media Platforms Companies operating social media platforms in Nepal must obtain a two-year license . The license must be renewed periodically , giving the government control over...

Delhi High Court Rejects Mahua Moitra's Plea for Media Gag in ED Investigation Case

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Delhi High Court Rejects Mahua Moitra's Plea for Media Gag in ED Investigation Case The Delhi High Court recently delivered a verdict dismissing the plea filed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mahua Moitra, seeking to restrain the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from disclosing any "confidential or unverified information" to the media regarding an investigation under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) against her. In its ruling, the Delhi HC emphasized that it meticulously reviewed various news articles submitted as evidence in the petition. The court concluded that these articles solely reported on the ongoing investigation against Moitra, a public figure, without delving into her private life. Justice Subramonium Prasad, presiding over the bench, highlighted that the media coverage did not infringe upon Moitra's privacy rights or compromise the impartiality of the investigation or potential trial proceedings. The plea alleged that the ED had intentional...