State-run buses in Hyderabad are now being equipped with CCTV cameras. However, privacy researchers are concerned about the speed at which these cameras are being installed and the possibility of the information being misused. Telangana has the highest number of cameras installed, leading to concerns about surveillance. Researchers are demanding that the government create rules and a surveillance law to address these concerns.
These concerns are heightened due to the use of facial recognition technology by the Telangana police, which has received criticism from international human rights organizations. There are currently 10 lakh CCTV cameras installed throughout the state, with over 6 lakhs in the city alone, and the goal is to reach 15 lakh cameras. Srinivas Kodali, an independent privacy researcher, believes that each camera is equivalent to 100 police officers, leading to excessive policing without accountability. He also questions whether the footage captured by these cameras will be made available to the general public when requested through RTI.
In August, Minister KT Rama Rao launched the “Bus lo Bharosa” initiative, which aims to improve safety for women on TSRTC buses and prevent incidents like eve-teasing. However, social activist S Q Masood raises concerns about how installing CCTV cameras in public buses will actually prevent such issues. He emphasizes the need for strict protocols to prevent the misuse of CCTV footage against innocent individuals and highlights the maintenance issues with these cameras, as nearly 50% of police-installed cameras are non-functional.
Overall, there is a need for clear rules and regulations regarding the utilization of CCTV cameras in state-run buses and a surveillance law to protect privacy and prevent misuse.
