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BJP MP Warns of Data Security Risks, Urges Push for Indigenous Tech

BJP MP Manju Sharma raised significant concerns in the Lok Sabha about India's dependence on foreign technologies, warning it poses risks to data security and national sovereignty. She highlighted that critical government digital systems still operate on foreign infrastructure, compromising sensitive data. Sharma urged the government to increase R&D investment, formulate a long-term self-reliance policy, and prioritize indigenous digital platforms. She also emphasized enforcing robust data protection laws to safeguard citizens' digital information.

Key Points: MP Calls for Indigenous Tech to Secure India's Digital Sovereignty

  • Risks to data security & digital sovereignty
  • Over-reliance on foreign tech infrastructure
  • Need for R&D investment in indigenous tech
  • Policy for self-reliance in strategic sectors
2 min read

Rajasthan BJP MP raises issue of dependence on foreign technologies, calls for priority to indigenous digital platforms

BJP MP Manju Sharma raises alarm in Parliament over foreign tech dependence, urging policy for indigenous platforms in AI, cybersecurity & data.

"In today's era, technology is no longer merely a tool of convenience but has become the backbone of the nation's economic strength, security framework, and global competitiveness. - Manju Sharma"

Jaipur, Feb 3

The issue of data security and technological self-reliance echoed in the Lok Sabha, with Bharatiya Janata Party Lok Sabha MP from Rajasthan's Jaipur, Manju Sharma, raising serious concerns over India's growing dependence on foreign technologies.

Addressing the Parliament on Monday, Sharma said that sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductors, digital payments, cloud services, and data management have acquired strategic importance.

Excessive reliance on foreign software, hardware, and platforms, she warned, poses significant risks to data security, privacy, and digital sovereignty.

The MP said that several critical government and public digital systems in the country continue to operate on foreign technological infrastructure.

This, she said, not only compromises the safety of sensitive data but also weakens India's long-term technological autonomy.

"In today's era, technology is no longer merely a tool of convenience but has become the backbone of the nation's economic strength, security framework, and global competitiveness."

Highlighting Jaipur's potential, Sharma said the city has strong capabilities in technical education, startups, and MSMEs.

"Encouraging indigenous technologies would generate new employment opportunities for youth while integrating local innovation into the national development framework."

Manju Sharma urged the Union government to increase investment in research and development of indigenous technologies, formulate a clear and long-term policy for self-reliance in strategic sectors, and prioritise the use of indigenous digital platforms across government institutions.

She also stressed the need for strict enforcement of robust data protection laws to safeguard citizens' digital data and ensure national data security.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is a crucial point. Data is the new oil, and we must control our own reserves. However, the transition needs to be smooth. We can't just switch off foreign tech overnight without robust Indian alternatives ready.
P
Priya S
Absolutely right! Look at UPI – it's a world-class Indian system. We need more such innovations in AI and cybersecurity. Our IITs and startups are full of talent. The government just needs to fund and trust them more.
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Rohit P
Good speech, but will there be action? We hear these calls for "swadeshi" tech often, but then government tenders still go to foreign companies because their product is "tried and tested." We need a mandate, not just suggestions.
K
Karthik V
As someone in the IT sector, I agree 100%. But indigenous doesn't mean lower quality. The policy must ensure our homegrown platforms meet global standards so they are adopted willingly, not by force. Jaipur and other tech hubs can deliver.
M
Meera T
Data protection is key! We need strong laws like the EU's GDPR. It's not just about foreign vs Indian companies; even Indian companies sometimes misuse data. Security and privacy for citizens should be the top priority.

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