Narendra Modi App updates privacy policy soon after lapses exposed on Twitter

Ever since the Cambridge Analytica files, both the BJP and the Congress have been trying to use it for political gains in India.That is when a Twitter handle, which claims itself to be a data security researcher, revealed in a series of tweets the privacy lapses in the NAMO App—Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal app. 

The data security expert under the Twitter handle Elliot Alderson@fs0c131y, exposed serious privacy lapses in the NAMO App, with users' critical data being send without consent to a third-party based in the US. 

".@narendramodi, I know privacy is not your thing but any thoughts about sharing the personal data of your users without their consent to a third-party company?" read the first tweet.

It added: "When you create a profile in the official @narendramodi #Android app, all your device info (OS, network type, Carrier …) and personal data (email, photo, gender, name, …) are send without your consent to a third-party domain called http://in.wzrkt.com ."

The researcher did not stop there and went on to state: "It worth to say: I’m not making politics. I only believe in the technical truth. Don’t trust political speeches from both side. Thing is, @narendramodi’s app is sending personal data to a 3rd party company without user consent. The rest are just suppositions"

However, a day after the expose, the privacy settings of the NAMO has been quietly updated, says the researcher. 

"After the NaMo #android app exposé yesterday, the privacy policy of @narendramodi has been change quietly." 

The current privacy policy reads: "Certain information maybe processed by third party services to: offer you the most contextual content; show content in your own language; update you when the PM is in your state, give you a unique, personalized experience according to your interests; and give you important updates on email and sms. The following information maybe processed by third party services to offer you a better experience as stated above: name, email, mobile phone number; device information, location and network carrier" 

Prior to the updation, the policy had stated: "Your personal information and contact details shall remain confidential and shall not be used for any purpose other than our communication with you. The information shall not be provided to third parties in any manner whatsoever without your consent. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at admin@narendramodi.in."

However, the revelations have led to a Twitter war between the BJP and the Congress party. 

The current developments come in the backdrop of allegations that the National Cadet Corps has been collecting contact details of about 13 lakh cadets across India to facilitate Modi's interaction with them. The cadets have been asked to install NAMO app and ask questions through it. The move has invited criticism amid questions of how can the Centre promote a personal app, which is also being promoted by the BJP. This, even when there is an official PMO app.