Hyderabad residents have expressed significant concerns over the forthcoming release of initial findings from the Comprehensive Socio-Economic Employment Caste Survey, conducted in the state. The survey has revealed that nearly 60 per cent of residents in Hyderabad have declined to share their mobile numbers, citing apprehensions about cyber fraud and misuse of personal information.
Despite assurances from the state government that the collected data will be kept confidential, many residents remain wary of providing their contact details. Experts acknowledge the increasing awareness of cyber threats among the public, but they stress the importance of understanding how cyber crimes occur and being able to identify and resist fraudulent tactics.
The survey, which is almost 98 per cent complete, is currently being analyzed by the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS). Field observations have indicated that residents in rural areas are more willing to share their personal data, as surveyors are able to address any concerns and provide reassurance to participants.
In contrast, residents in urban areas, particularly within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits, have shown greater skepticism, especially when asked to provide phone numbers linked to their bank accounts. Surprisingly, many residents were more hesitant to share their mobile numbers than their Aadhaar numbers, despite some reluctance surrounding both.
One resident, Kona Sridevi, a private company employee from Himayatnagar, shared her apprehensions about providing her mobile number. “I don’t have any issue with sharing my data, but recent reports about cyber fraud have made me cautious. Although I don’t fully understand it, I provided a different mobile number that isn’t linked to my bank account,” she said. Sridevi also noted that many of her friends shared similar concerns about sharing their phone numbers.
Some residents have even expressed their concerns about providing mobile numbers to the BC Commission, highlighting the widespread unease about data privacy and cyber security.
Cyber expert P. Madhava Reddy, a BSNL employee who has conducted numerous awareness camps on cyber crimes across the state, emphasized the need for not just awareness but also for people to resist the lure of quick wealth and educate themselves on how to protect against digital threats. He noted that while urban, educated residents are often the victims of cyber crimes, those in rural areas tend to be more cautious and verify information before sharing it.
Despite the concerns raised about data privacy, senior officials have reassured the public that all information collected through the survey will remain confidential and will not be shared with any third parties. An official stressed the importance of citizens remaining informed and vigilant in the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
As the release of the survey findings approaches, residents in Hyderabad continue to grapple with the balance between providing personal information for research purposes and safeguarding their privacy in an increasingly digital world. The ongoing discussion around data privacy and cyber security serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed and cautious in the face of evolving threats in the digital age.