Digital Governance and Urban Security in India: A Case Study of the Delhi NCR Region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.68903/vjta.2025.v06i02.02Keywords:
Digital governance, local management, behavioural information, DPDPAbstract
Digital governance, or the use of technology to enhance public services and municipal management, is crucial for managing India's rapid urbanisation. This study examines the integration of AI into urban security, using the MyGate app in the Delhi-NCR region as a case study. We conducted interviews with residents, security staff, and RWA members in Gurgaon, Dwarka, and Janakpuri. The data indicate that, while the app offers convenience and a sense of security, residents prioritise convenience over security. The app digitalises existing manual processes, creating a ‘micro-surveillance state’ at the residential community level. Some residents believe that facial recognition for staff violates their privacy and is degrading. The business model monetises citizens' data to target advertisements, raising concerns about consent. The study suggests that a specialised legislative framework for AI governance is needed to protect data privacy, beyond the existing Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act. It recommends establishing an AI Ethics Committee and applying ‘privacy by design’ principles to ensure that technology serves citizens ethically and transparently.
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Data Availability Statement
Data hasn't been made available by the authors publicly. The interviews taken were done so with the consent of the interviewees and their identities have been kept anonymous.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Nikita Audichya, Arunima Singh, Mishty Kaushik, Vaani Rai (Author)
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