“What if the digital database of the E-Voter ID is stolen and handed over to a particular political entity?”
The Election Commission’s (EC) new proposal for a digital voter ID has underpinnings that are yet to be understood, and certainly is more significant a move than is apparent prima facie.
The proposed digital voter ID bears risks that need greater understanding. The Election Commission has started to issue Electronic Electoral Photo Identity Cards (E-EPIC) since 25 January, and these will be used in the forthcoming assembly elections in Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry. This card is in addition to the traditional voter ID card that the EC has already issued to voters in physical form. One can access the relevant information by visiting the EC website.
What If Database Of E-Voter ID Is Stolen?
Prima facie, the E-EPIC appears to be a creative and user-friendly proposition. But a careful reading tells us that if personal data stored digitally is stolen, it’ll amount to having the ‘nuclear code’ in an electoral battle. For the part(ies) who (may) chance upon this treasure trove of voters’ personal data, it will be like winning the lottery. Of course, needless to say that we have full faith in our Election Commission which has competent and honest functionaries, but history and past trends tell us that in the digital world (especially), things can go awry — and how.
What if the database is stolen and handed over to a particular political entity? Be it the Opposition or the party in power, those who lay their hands on it will have an unfair advantage in the election, and this will not allow for a level-playing field.
Before using a new technology, it is essential to find out all the ways in which it could be breached or misused, and what are the challenges it can potentially throw up. It is essential to anticipate all such scenarios, especially when dealing with something as sensitive as personal data in a democracy. Stealing of data, hacking, misuse and large-scale cyber attacks are now commonplace.
In What Ways Can Stolen Database Of E-Voter ID Be Misused?
Now the hypothetical question is that: if someone manages to get hold of the mobile database connected with this E-voter card, then in how in many ways could it be misused? What will be the magnitude of this collateral damage?
The answer is quite grave. The game changes once the digital voter card is linked with a mobile number. For any political party wishing to win an electoral battle, this database becomes a treasure trove.
These phone numbers will be stored at the backend of the Election Commission and may not be available to everyone. But whoever is able to lay his/her hands on them, will go on to make a windfall of unimaginable proportions.
Before the election campaign takes off, various types of messages could be sent to the voters and people could be told about various schemes beforehand. During elections, one can enumerate the achievements of one’s party and voters could be asked to vote on that basis. All these would mean direct access to voters. Those who do not have such data, will find it extremely difficult to connect with a giant electorate merely via posters, banners and by touring the area. But mobile connectivity will ensure a deeper connect. It may equally be possible that a very industrious candidate manages to get hold of the list of beneficiaries of various government schemes, and informs them before the election that they have been able to deliver to them the benefits of such schemes — thus, swaying the vote.
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