TAG: GS 2: GOVERNANCE
THE CONTEXT: As thousands of students across the country rush to their computers to check their board exam results, many of them now have the option of viewing their scores and even obtaining their verified marksheets through the Indian government’s DigiLocker platform. DigiLocker has become a digital placeholder for administrative and government-related documents.
EXPLANATION:
DigiLocker:
- DigiLocker, launched in 2015, serves as a digital repository for administrative and government-related documents in India.
- It operates as an app allowing users to store and access digital records conveniently.
- The platform is part of the Indian government’s initiative to promote a paperless society and facilitate easy access to essential documents.
- The DigiLocker app caters to various needs, including passport applications, accessing marksheets, and identity verification during travel.
- With over 270 million registered users and nearly 6.7 billion documents retrieved through the platform, it has become a popular choice for managing important records.
- As of early May, the app has over 270 million registered users, while nearly 6.7 billion documents — like Aadhaar, insurance policy papers, PAN records, and driving licenses — have been retrieved through it.
- Documents issued through DigiLocker are legally recognized, as per Rule 9A of the Information Technology (Preservation and Retention of Information by Intermediaries providing Digital Locker facilities) Rules, 2016.
- This legal backing enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of digital documents stored on the platform.
Reasons for Adoption
- DigiLocker offers several benefits for both users and officials. For users, it eliminates the need to carry physical documents, enhances accessibility, and facilitates faster service delivery.
- Officials benefit from reduced reliance on physical documents, which helps in combating fraud and ensuring document authenticity.
Security Measures
- DigiLocker employs robust security measures to safeguard user data.
- These include 2048 Bit RSA SSL encryption, multi-factor authentication, consent systems, timed logouts, and regular security audits.
- As a government-approved application under the Digital India programme, it adheres to strict security protocols.
Vulnerabilities and Responses
- Despite its security measures, DigiLocker is not immune to vulnerabilities.
- In June 2020, a potential vulnerability in the sign-up flow was identified and promptly addressed following a CERT-In alert.
- DigiLocker assured users that their data remained safe, underscoring the importance of prompt response to security threats.
Privacy Concerns
- While DigiLocker emphasizes data encryption and non-sharing with third parties, concerns regarding privacy persist.
- Any government database storing citizens’ information is susceptible to hacking attempts, posing a risk of data breaches.
- However, DigiLocker’s response to security incidents demonstrates a commitment to addressing vulnerabilities and safeguarding user data.
Challenges and Limitations
- Accessibility remains a challenge for certain demographics, including those unfamiliar with smartphone operations or individuals with reading difficulties.
- Issues such as name discrepancies and varied acceptance of digital documents by different authorities add to usability concerns.
- Uniform adoption and acceptance of digital documents are essential to maximize DigiLocker’s utility.
Passport Processing and DigiLocker
- While DigiLocker is not mandatory for passport processing, its usage may expedite the application process in some cases.
- Passport authorities may vary in their requirements, with some advocating for DigiLocker usage to streamline document verification.
- However, inconsistencies in implementation underscore the importance of preparedness with both physical and digital documents.
