Move to give snooping powers to probe agencies dangerous: NCP

The NCP Friday said the government's move to authorise 10 central agencies to intercept and decrypt all the data contained in any computer system, was "very dangerous" and a "breach of right to privacy".

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik alleged that it was the present political scenario that made the BJP-led government "play the game of detectives" across the country.

He was apparently referring to the BJP's defeat in the recently-held Assembly polls in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

"It is very dangerous. It is a breach of right to privacy," Malik said of the decision.

The former Maharashtra minister said that none would oppose if someone's computer system is intercepted if he/she were of suspicious character and that there were valid reasons to snoop on the person concerned.

"But when you give blanket order, who are these agencies going to snoop on for? The political situation is such that it (the government) is ordering agencies to play this game of detectives," he alleged.

The NCP leader also took to Twitter to oppose the move.

"In the name of terrorism one cannot snoop on every citizen in the country. If there is a suspect, prior permission can be obtained by authorities. Blanket permission is very dangerous," he said.

"Since Modi government is known for snooping, question arises, is all this being done in the nation's interest or personal and political interest?" Malik asked.

The Centre has authorised 10 probe and snoop agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt all the data contained in any computer system. The order was passed late Thursday night by the 'cyber and information security' division of the Union Home ministry under the authority of Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba.