Activists condemn AI surveillance in CJP protests

Activists in India have challenged the Narendra Modi government over its use of AI-powered surveillance during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests.

The controversy erupted after protesters and media reports showed police surveillance vans equipped with cameras on retractable masts offering a 360-degree view of the rally.

Student activist Aishe Ghosh asked the Delhi High Court to declare mass surveillance of protesters unconstitutional.

She is also asking the court to order the destruction of all personal data collected during the CJP demonstrations.

Activists say India has no law regulating the use of facial recognition technology by police, and the surveillance at New Delhi’s main protest site is against the law.

At a hearing in the case, Attorney General Tushar Mehta defended the actions of Indian police, saying the claim of privacy at the rally was “ironic” and that the checks were “absolutely necessary” and “in the legitimate national interest.”