Topic: GS-2: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
GS-3: basics of cyber security
4. What do you understand by lateral surveillance? How can it be used in addressing cybercrimes in our country? Discuss (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
‘Citizen Watch’ gets a new meaning after the notification on the IT Rules, 2021 — the promotion of lateral surveillance.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the concept of lateral surveillance and its role in addressing cybercrimes in our country.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with definition of lateral surveillance.
Body:
A form of surveillance, which enables citizens to “watch over” one another, is called lateral surveillance. The conventional understanding of the term, surveillance, is its use in the hierarchical sense, i.e. the vertical relationship between the person watching and the person being watched, which is usually the state and its citizenry. Lateral or social or peer-to-peer surveillance differs from typical surveillance.
Discuss its utility in addressing cybercrimes. Give examples. Present case study if possible.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance.
