Pegasus Spyware

Introduction
The recent contention on Pegasus spyware has sought worldwide attention. In this blog, we are going to see through what precisely happened, and have a clear perspective around the controversy. Pegasus spyware was created by an Israeli-based company, NSO. This spyware was invented to assist the government with security premises to avoid the organized violations and terror attacks. The spyware can technically hack and contaminate the phone.

The Controversy
Indian journal site working with a worldwide collaborative investigation group on the project, “Pegasus” declared that they have affirmed the nearness of spyware in a few Indian contact numbers.1 There were journalists, politicians, ministers, activists targeted into the snoop. As the wire uncovered the actualities of Pegasus, the hassle happened. Soon after, the Government published quoting that the affirmations have no concrete basis, “India is a robust democracy that’s committed to guaranteeing the right to secure to all its citizens as a fundamental right”. The casualties of the spyware went onto the court, citing their fundamental rights under articles 19 and 21 have been violated.

The Violation Fundamental rights
There were 2 perspectives under this contention, one says that the violation of articles 19 and 21 have occurred, referring to the case KS Puttaswamy in which the supreme court held that the right to privacy is a portion of the right to life and consequently the right is affirmed under article 21. But on the other hand, referring to the case, State of Bihar v. Shailabala Devi the supreme court made it clear that any crime which imperils the security of the state would be substantial under article 19(2). Articles 19 and 21 both aren’t an absolute right they can be taken away anytime if it concerns national security. The recent benchmark alleged that the right to privacy is an unavoidable right of an induvial and inherent of article 21. The case is still going on within the court, as the allegations are severe and question the constitution.

Conclusion
Technology can either be a boon or a bane. The Pegasus was evaluated for governmental utilization but unfortunately, the spyware was misused aggravating the basic right of the other induvial. The government has to take serious measures to secure the rights, as our generation is so much indulged within the technology. After this outrage, we can say that nothing is truly secured on the internet.

1 The wire, http://www.thewire.in , sept1st, 2021.

Zara Shaikh
Writer