Activists in India are contesting the government’s use of artificial intelligence-driven surveillance during recent student protests, raising concerns over privacy and the legality of police monitoring at public demonstrations. The protests, which erupted last week in response to exam paper leaks, marked one of the largest youth movements in years and drew attention to the deployment of advanced surveillance technologies by law enforcement.
During the protests in New Delhi, demonstrators shared images of a mobile police surveillance van outfitted with cameras mounted on a telescopic mast, offering a 360-degree view of the crowd. The vehicle bore the Delhi Police emblem and the name "Ikshana," a Hindi word meaning “vision.” Details about the system are limited, but it is believed to include AI-powered and varifocal bullet cameras, according to a now-removed post from CP Plus, the Indian CCTV manufacturer involved in its development.
Student activist Aishe Ghosh has filed a petition with the Delhi High Court challenging the constitutionality of mass surveillance of protesters. She is seeking an order for the destruction of all personal data collected during the protests and the establishment of clear guidelines regulating the use of surveillance technology during public gatherings. Ghosh maintains her case despite the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan—prompted by the protests—and the formation of a government panel to review the examination system.
India currently lacks specific legislation governing the use of facial recognition technology by police, and activists argue that the monitoring during the protests violated legal and privacy norms. The Internet Freedom Foundation, a digital rights advocacy group based in New Delhi, formally requested the deletion of biometric data collected at the protest site.
Delhi Police, however, maintain that their actions were lawful and necessary. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the use of surveillance in court, describing privacy concerns at a public event as “ironical,” and asserting that such measures were crucial to maintaining law and order. The police force told the media it had not infringed on individual freedoms through facial recognition technology.
Technology law expert Akash Karmakar emphasized the need for proportionality and accountability on all sides. He argued that if facial recognition is employed to monitor protesters, it should also be applied to identify police officers who allegedly operated without visible name badges during the crackdown.
As the Delhi High Court considers these arguments, it faces a broader challenge of balancing public security interests with the protection of civil liberties amid expanding surveillance capabilities. The court was scheduled to continue hearings on the matter following preliminary arguments. Meanwhile, requests for comment from Delhi Police and CP Plus remained unanswered.