GOI ensures data privacy with satellite-based tolling on highways
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

GOI ensures data privacy with satellite-based tolling on highways

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)

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)

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Odisha to Develop Four New Airstrips in Western Region

The Odisha government has announced plans to develop four new airstrips in western Odisha, increasing the region’s total number of airports to eight. The new airstrips will be located at Jamadarpali (Sambalpur), Satibhata (Bargarh), Gotma (Nuapada), and Tusura (Balangir), as confirmed by Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena in response to a query from Balangir MLA Kalikesh Singh Deo in the state assembly. Currently, western Odisha has four operational airports—Jeypore (Koraput), Veer Surendra Sai Airport (Jharsuguda), a small airport in Rourkela (Sundargarh district), and an airstrip at Utkela..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Western Coalfields Bids for Two Coal Blocks in Commercial Auction

In a strategic move to overcome limited reserves and challenging geo-mining conditions, Western Coalfields Ltd (WCL) has participated in the bidding for two coal blocks under the 11th tranche of the commercial coal blocks auction, marking the first-ever participation of a Coal India subsidiary in such an auction. WCL has placed bids for the Bandhak West and Dahegaon Makardhokra IV non-coking coal blocks, both located in Maharashtra and close to the company’s existing mining operations. Chairman and Managing Director Jai Prakash Dwivedi highlighted that securing these blocks would allow WCL ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Assam Cabinet Approves Major Investments, Urban Development, and Policy Reforms

The Assam state Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has approved a series of strategic investments, urban development projects, healthcare reforms, and policy updates in the textile and biotechnology sectors. A key highlight of the meeting was the approval of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) set to be signed at the upcoming Advantage Assam Summit. The summit, Assam’s premier global investment forum, aims to position the state as a major economic hub in the Northeast by attracting investments across industries such as manufacturing, logistics, IT, and renewable energy. Hav..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?