Of Chanakya's spies, Bentham's Panopticon, China and India

Abstract

Not only are we creating surveillance mechanisms that record and trail, but executing exchange, accounting and payment mechanisms that self-create these trails. Today, the residues of our trails – biometric, electronic or digital, are found everywhere. The ‘global’ Indian leaves it in the visa databases of the countries he visits, the ‘local’ Indian leaves it in his mobile, internet and bank transactions, his ration-shop and many other such offices – public and private. The Chinese are already seen as being ahead in this trail-game, given their digital depth, vast markets and internet leadership. While both these countries are negotiating the recording of these trails, there is also a high probability that all physical movements are being captured by the ubiquitous security cameras dotting our respective urban landscapes. Read more at: https://www.forbesindia.com/article/iim-bangalore/of-chanakyas-spies-benthams-panopticon-china-and-india/48441/1