Edited by Sumit Krishna Yadav
Our phones have become a vital part of our virtual and physical existence. With the ability to process large amounts of information and data from a feather touch on a screen, it’s not surprising that these devices contain some of our most treasured memories and secrets. Yet, as disturbing as it may seem, we are witnessing a period in which these very messages and chats are being read out loud in public, as though voyeurism within Television has become almost normalised. This hostile atmosphere begs the question—who should have access to our personal devices and under what conditions? Today, Swagam Dasgupta speaks to Apar Gupta, Executive Director of the Internet Freedom Foundation to understand the complexities of the law regarding smartphones and other devices.
Part 1 of this series delves into a seemingly simple question with an unfortunately complicated answer—when can law enforcement seize my phone?
Please do write to us at [email protected] in case you have any other questions regarding your personal devices and who can access them.
Do check out the Internet Freedom Foundation’s explainer on Law enforcement access to personal electronic devices here: https://internetfreedom.in/search-seizure-personal-electronic-device/
