NEW DELHI: Addressing concerns of political parties and cyber security experts, the Election Commission made clear on Tuesday that it has signed no agreement with Google yet, and the proposal is still under consideration.
Both Congress and BJP and a number of experts have raised concerns over the proposed tie-up with search giant Google and the Election Commission on use of its search engines for the upcoming general elections. They fear any tie-up with a foreign company on sharing vital data may risk nation’s security.
They have urged the Commission to consult other stakeholders before making a final decision although they do not doubt intentions of the Commission.
Google reportedly made a formal presentation to the Commission on Tuesday offering use of its search engines free of cost in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
Voters can also check their names, EPIC card numbers and other vital information online besides accessing location details of polling stations online.
All three Election Commissioners VS Sampath, HS Brahma and SNA Zaidi, and other top officials were present during the presentation. However, the Commission has clarified that no agreement has been signed yet with the internet company.
A number of cyber security experts have questioned the move especially after the recent expose by Edward Snowden of the US spying agencies collecting intelligence of even their friendly nations.
