The Delhi High Court has asked the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to provide its stance concerning a petition against the rules governing DigiLocker operations. The main contention of the petition is against the Information Technology (Preservation and Retention of Information by Intermediaries Providing Digital Locker Facilities) Rules 2016. This is due to the lack of nomination facilities under this rule in DigiLocker, which restricts access to documents after the user’s demise, making government the sole custodian.
DigiLocker: A Digital India Initiative
DigiLocker, a key initiative of MeitY, falls under the ‘Digital India’ program. The objective of this venture is to digitize documentation, enabling easy verification and storage in printable formats. It offers a space where users can store critical documents like insurance papers, medical reports, PAN cards, passports, marriage certificates, school certificates, and more in a digital form.
Accessing the DigiLocker
This digital locker is accessible to individuals using their mobile numbers. Tech majors like Google and Dropbox provide similar services where they offer storage space for users to house their documents.
DigiLocker: Beyond Just E-Documents
Beyond just electronic document storage, DigiLocker can also store Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) links of e-documents issued by different departments. This feature further enhances its utility by providing a one-stop solution for all documentation needs.
Key Facts: DigiLocker
| Launched | Objective | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | To digitize documentation for easy verification and storage | Can store Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) links of e-documents |
Concerns Raised Around Rule 2016
The petition against rules pertaining to the operation of DigiLocker draws attention to a key issue. According to the Information Technology (Preservation and Retention of Information by Intermediaries Providing Digital Locker Facilities) Rules 2016, in the event of a user’s death, all their documents cease to be accessible by family or friends, conferring custodianship to the government. This aspect has sparked debates and discussions on the nomination facility under this rule.