The New Full Form of PM is Pegasus Modi

The global impact of the Pegasus spyware affair has been astonishing, prompting questions about the integrity of democratic processes, the protection of personal privacy, and the free expression of media and speech. The dangerous Pegasus malware, which operates without user knowledge, can enter an individual's mobile device and steal data and communications. The NSO Group, an Israeli cyber business, is responsible for this spyware, which is also sold to worldwide governments and law enforcement agencies. India is one of the countries alleged to have employed Pegasus spyware. Around July 2021, an estimated 300 Indians, including journalists, activists, politicians, and government officials, discovered themselves possibly vulnerable to the infection. In October 2023, Apple issued a new round of threat notifications globally to iPhone users who may have been targeted by “state-sponsored attackers”. More than 20 journalists, and opposition politicians in India were reported to have received the notifications. This incident has aroused significant concern and led to calls for stronger privacy measures.

The Indian Constitution protects several essential rights, including the right to privacy. Article 21 of the Constitution implicitly protects the right to privacy, as well as the right to life and liberty. The court also accepted that the right to privacy is not absolute and can be restricted in certain situations, including those concerning public safety and national security. However, the Modi Government’s targeting of journalists, activists, and opposition politicians does not fall under the ambit of issues concerning public safety and national security, even though they might claim so.

Despite the Supreme Court's acknowledgement of privacy as a basic right, many criticize the Modi government for failing to adequately defend this right. The Aadhaar data breach, the WhatsApp monitoring issue, and the current Pegasus spyware controversy are just a few of the many instances in which the government has been accused of violating people's right to privacy.

Once spyware has obtained access to a device, it instantly begins taking photographs, movies, and other digital stuff and sends it to the perpetrator. It even goes so far as to discreetly activate the device's microphone and camera, record calls, and track the target's location. By doing so, the attacker can listen in on personal and private chats and relay the information back to the user. Even a missed WhatsApp call might trigger a cascade of events that leads to the device's penetration. This emphasizes how misleading and unlikely the claims made concerning end-to-end encryption and security are.

The BJP government has been infamous for surveillance for their nefarious motives or for selling data to their corporate friends. After Pegusus’ PR concerns, the Modi government is looking for spyware from less exposed firms, claims a report by the Financial Times. 

People aware of defence contracts said Indian officials have also shown an interest in an array of rivals, Many of these software are developed by Israeli companies with links to the Israeli army and are complicit in human rights abuse throughout the world. This includes Quadream, which two Israeli officials said was approved for sale to Saudi Arabia after the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. 

It is time for the government to take accountability for illegal surveillance and coercion. In a country where democracy and citizen’s rights have always been at the forefront, it is about time we elect a government that not only protects but also celebrates our freedom.

Mohammad Ahwar