Algorithms of suspicion: Why AI surveillance systems need a ‘UPI moment’ for ethics
In India, people, society, politics, and economics operate under the utilitarian principle of “maximum benefits” for all. However, in recent times, surveillance technologies, techniques, and processes are disrupting democracy and the inclusive idea of Digital India. A few months ago, Delhi Police announced that they would implement a state-of-the-art Integrated Command, Control, Communication, and Computer Centre (C4I) across all regions of Delhi by June 2026 to control crime and identify “criminals” by scanning faces on the streets and flagging suspects through CCTV cameras. For this, the Delhi Police drew inspiration from an Israeli software (a surveillance van equipped with cameras both outside and inside, along with a full data and computer setup and police operators), which has been in use since 2018 in North and Northeast Delhi. Initially, it was used to match pictures of lost and found children. However, it has since been used on several occasions: During the Prime Minister’s rally at Ram Leela Maidan in 2019, in the North and Northeast Delhi riots of 2020 and 2022 (Jahangirpuri), and the Republic Day …







