I recently visited Mumbai Domestic Airport and attempted to order breakfast at a food outlet. I was told that my order could not be processed unless I provided my mobile number. This experience raises serious concerns about customer privacy and the potential for data misuse. A mobile number is personal data, and customers should not be compelled to share it for a simple transaction like purchasing food.

The practice of mandating personal information, such as a mobile number, as a prerequisite for completing basic purchases infringes on individual privacy rights. While businesses may argue that collecting mobile numbers can enhance customer service, it poses substantial risks if not handled with stringent data protection measures. In many cases, consumers are unaware of how their data is used or shared, which can lead to privacy breaches and unauthorized use of personal information. Moreover, there is a lack of clarity on how long this data is stored and who has access to it, raising concerns about accountability and compliance with privacy laws.

Research suggests that nearly 95% of individuals believe that personal data must be protected and that they should have control over their own information. The digital age's ever-expanding data economy necessitates strict regulations to ensure consumer data is collected and handled responsibly. In fact, international norms, like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, have highlighted the importance of explicit consent and transparency in data collection, which should be a global standard.

In India, however, the enforcement of such privacy rights remains inconsistent and often ambiguous. The Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, provide a framework, yet there is much work to be done to enforce them across all sectors.

We urge the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to take immediate action to protect consumer privacy by prohibiting businesses from mandating mobile number collection for basic purchases, unless it is absolutely necessary. Businesses should explore alternative means to ensure quality service without compromising customer privacy, such as offering options for privacy-conscious transactions.

Sign this petition to support the right to privacy and urge businesses and the government to respect and protect consumer data from unnecessary collection and potential misuse.