DIGITAL AUTHORITARIANISM IN INDIA: SURVEILLANCE, CONTROL, AND RESISTANCE

The rise of digital authoritarianism in India has been marked by increasing state surveillance, data control, and restrictions on digital freedoms. This study examines how the Indian government leverages digital technologies, such as biometric identification systems, artificial intelligence, and internet shutdowns, to monitor citizens and suppress dissent. Drawing on theories of surveillance capitalism and control societies, the research explores the legal, political, and ethical dimensions of India's digital governance framework. It highlights the implications of mass surveillance on privacy rights, democracy, and civil liberties, particularly in the context of laws like the Information Technology Act and the Personal Data Protection Bill. By analyzing case studies of Aadhaar, Pegasus spyware, and social media regulation, this paper sheds light on the intersection of technology and state power. The study argues that India's digital governance is evolving into a form of authoritarianism that challenges constitutional freedoms, raising concerns about the future of digital democracy in the country. This research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing secondary data sources such as government reports, legal documents, academic articles, and media analyses. A case study method is adopted to examine specific instances of digital surveillance, including the Aadhaar biometric system, Pegasus spyware controversy, and internet shutdowns. The study also incorporates discourse analysis to assess political narratives and policy frameworks that shape India’s digital governance.