Daily Current Affairs : 25-November-2023
The recent inclusion of the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in the list of organizations exempted from the Right to Information Act (RTI) by the Union government has sparked discussions on the balance between transparency and national security.
Key Details:
- The RTI Act, enacted in 2005, excludes intelligence and security organizations specified in the Second Schedule.
- The exemption covers 26 organizations, including Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, and National Technical Research Organisation.
- Section 24 of the Act exempts intelligence and security organizations, both central and state, except in cases of corruption or human rights violations.
Exempted Organizations:
The exempted organizations include:
- Intelligence Bureau
- Research and Analysis Wing
- Directorate of Enforcement
- Central Reserve Police Force
- National Security Guard
- Financial Intelligence Unit, India
- Defense Research and Development Organisation, among others.
What is CERT-In?
CERT-In, or the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, is the national nodal agency for cyber security incident response and preventive measures. It operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, appointed by the Central Government under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Functions of CERT-In:
- Collection, analysis, and dissemination of information on cyber incidents.
- Forecasting and alerting of cyber security incidents.
- Coordination of cyber incident response activities.
- Issuing guidelines, advisories, and vulnerability notes related to information security practices.
What is a Cyber Security Incident?
A cyber security incident refers to any real or suspected adverse event violating a security policy, leading to unauthorized access, denial of service, or disruptions.
Understanding RTI Act:
- The Right to Information Act allows any Indian citizen to request public information from government offices.
- It replaced the Freedom of Information Act 2002 and aims at achieving transparency and a corruption-free India.
- Mandates a response within 30 days, excluding defense, national security, or personal details.
Features of RTI Act:
- Authorities under RTI Act are public authorities.
- Public Information Officers perform quasi-judicial functions.
- Implicit in the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.
What Information Can be Sought?
Any Indian citizen can seek information related to delayed IT refunds, driving licenses, infrastructure projects, relief funds, and even obtain copies of answer sheets from universities.
Important Points:
- Key Details:
- RTI Act (2005) excludes intelligence and security organizations specified in the Second Schedule.
- Exemption covers 26 organizations, including Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing.
- Section 24 exempts intelligence and security organizations except in cases of corruption or human rights violations.
- Exempted Organizations:
- Intelligence Bureau
- Research and Analysis Wing
- Directorate of Enforcement
- Central Reserve Police Force
- National Security Guard
- Financial Intelligence Unit, India
- Defense Research and Development Organisation, among others.
- CERT-In Overview:
- National nodal agency for cyber security incident response and preventive measures.
- Operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
- Appointed by the Central Government under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
- Functions of CERT-In:
- Collection, analysis, and dissemination of information on cyber incidents.
- Forecasting and alerting of cyber security incidents.
- Coordination of cyber incident response activities.
- Issuing guidelines, advisories, and vulnerability notes related to information security practices.
- Cyber Security Incident Definition:
- Any real or suspected adverse event violating a security policy, leading to unauthorized access, denial of service, or disruptions.
- Understanding RTI Act:
- Allows any Indian citizen to request public information from government offices.
- Replaced the Freedom of Information Act 2002, aiming at transparency and a corruption-free India.
- Mandates a response within 30 days, excluding defense, national security, or personal details.
- Features of RTI Act:
- Authorities under RTI Act are public authorities.
- Public Information Officers perform quasi-judicial functions.
- Implicit in the Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.
- What Information Can be Sought?
- Includes details on delayed IT refunds, driving licenses, infrastructure projects, relief funds, and obtaining copies of answer sheets from universities.
Why In News
The Union government has included the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in the list of organizations exempted from the ambit of the Right to Information Act (RTI), reinforcing the prioritization of cybersecurity measures over public disclosure for sensitive information.
MCQs about CERT-In Exemption from RTI
-
What does the RTI Act exempt intelligence and security organizations from?
A. Corruption investigations
B. Human rights violations
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above
-
Which ministry oversees CERT-In, the national nodal agency for cyber security?
A. Ministry of Home Affairs
B. Ministry of Defense
C. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
D. Ministry of Finance
-
What is the primary objective of CERT-In?
A. Enhancing security awareness
B. Conducting intelligence operations
C. Managing financial intelligence
D. Enforcing cyber regulations
-
Under the RTI Act, what information can be sought from public authorities?
A. Defense-related information
B. Information related to national security
C. Details on delayed IT refunds, driving licenses, infrastructure projects, and more
D. Only A and B
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