Lines in the sand: Digital India, ethical data practices and privacy

Abstract

The total number of internet users in India is said to surpass half a billion by 2018. Additionally, reports by The World Bank suggest that mobile penetration rates in many low and middle-income countries have crossed that 100% mark. In many such countries, including India, mobile phone subscriptions have outpaced developments in infrastructure, with many rural and inaccessible societies having more mobile subscriptions than instances of access to electricity. However, perhaps the most significant shift in nature of this rapidly growing Internet population is the profile of Internet users. Users in India are increasingly becoming older, more rural, more female, more mobile-led, and more vernacular. Given these statistics it comes with no surprise that some of the largest Internet and digital content companies are clambering for attention of individuals on three to six inch screens. India is one of the largest markets for social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn.