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Exclusive | No data privacy concerns around DigiYatra: CEO
KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)
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Summary
The DigiYatra Foundation, operating facial recognition tech in 14 airports, faces scrutiny over user data privacy. Following reports of a data breach, it severed ties with vendor Dataevolve. CNBC-TV18 spoke exclusively to DigiYatra Foundation CEO, Suresh Khadakbhavi.
The DigiYatra Foundation has been facing a lot of questions from air travellers and experts on the privacy of the users data. The DigiYatra Foundation which runs the facial recognition tech across 14 airports in the country, recently also dropped it’s vendor, Dataevolve, after various reports pointed out an alleged data breach in which certain data of passengers was compromised. CNBC-TV18 exclusively spoke to Suresh Khadakbhavi, the CEO of DigiYatra foundation.
Q: There have been concerns around the Digi Yatra Foundation not having full control of the data since it’s inception, this has been flagged by many experts since the beginning. Who has the control over the data?
A: The fundamental construct of DigiYatra is privacy by design, the whole concept is based on this. We use a self sovereign identity which enables passengers to take charge of their data. Neither DigiYatra Foundation or service support partners have access to the data. The data is stored in a secure wallet in the users phone. There is no central storage of data. There is no chance of data leakage or threat.
Q: Dataevolve which is under investigation by the Andhra Pradesh police was handling the digital infra of the app, although the foundation has parted its ways with the company, but why did the DYF consider Dataevolve which was a single man-led company?
A: Dataevolve was selected through startup challenge by the Niti Aayog under Atal Innovation Mission. Under this initiative we wanted to build this ecosystem with the help of an Indian startup.
Q: A user on social media platform X pointed out that Dataevolve was sending data to the AWS server, whereas the foundation has always had this stance that no one has control over the data, what would you like to comment on this?
A: The whole fundamental connect of DigiYatra is privacy by design and self sovereign identity. This means there is no central storage of data by the DYF. There is no way that a leakage could have happened.
Q: As Dataevolve has been completely removed from DigiYatra, so are there no data privacy concerns now?
A: There have been no data leakage concerns and there’ll never be any concerns in the future. Even the foundation has no access to data. Whenever a passenger deletes the app, the entire data is deleted right from there. The data remains in the app and the passenger has full control over it.
Q: Why did DYF decide to come out with a new app instead of updating the old app?
A: We planned to come with a new app due to architectural changes. Architectural changes being made in sync with growth plans from 14 airports to 28 airports. New architecture comes with new features that will be revealed with time. New features to include passport based enrollment etc. New features required us to rearchitect the new app.
Q: While usage of DigiYatra is voluntary, however many users on social media have complained that they’re being forced to sign up for the app.
A: Don’t think anyone is being forced to download DigiYatra, you can always say no.
Q: What are the preparations for rolling out to other airports? How would you ensure complete safety of personal passenger data?
A: 14 airports currently live with DigiYatra. Recently we also completed Goa Manohar Airport & Chennai Airport. 13 airports will be added by the end of this month, everything is on track airport testing under progress.
Q: What is the Scope of the DYF, what are the other projects that you’re working on right now?
A: DigiYatra foundation is working on passport based enrollment, but nothing in the near future. This will enable international passengers to enroll under DigiYatra
Q: How many employees does the foundation have and what’s the revenue model?
A: DigiYatra Foundation is funded by the airports. This is an industry led initiative which enhances passenger experience at airport. DigiYatra optimises utilisation of the airport. DigitYatra trying to enhance efficiency of the airport.
Q: Do you accept that there have been data breaches in the past, how much data has been compromised?
A: We don’t store any kind of data, there is no possibility of data leak.
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