Addressing concerns over potential data privacy violations due to real-time tracking of vehicles equipped with satellite-based tolling (GNSS) devices on national highways, top government officials have assured that the system's design will protect privacy. Union Road Transport Secretary Anurag Jain clarified that vehicle signatures would only be captured when vehicles enter designated GNSS stretches and will stop as soon as the vehicle exits these areas.

Jain emphasised the government's commitment to data privacy, stating, "We are absolutely clear on data privacy. Your vehicle's signature will be captured the moment you enter the national highway. The moment you exit, your signature will stop being captured."

Initially, the scheme will be implemented for commercial vehicles, with ongoing studies to address the complexities of protecting data privacy for private vehicles. Officials noted that thorough testing would be conducted to ensure private data remains secure.

According to the concept note of GNSS, the toll system, known as the 'toll charger,' will receive "anonymised pings" per second from devices installed in vehicles, consisting of time-location stamps and a virtual ID associated with the vehicle or its class. Data not related to the national highway network will be immediately discarded. The system operates on the principle of purpose limitation, focusing solely on calculating tolls.

Jain also mentioned that all entities involved in the system would have a contractual obligation not to track vehicles at all times, and a grievance redressal mechanism will be established.

(ET)