India’s growing use of AI raises privacy concernsCEFR A2
23 Apr 2026
Adapted from Rezwan, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by ADITYA PRAKASH, Unsplash
In February 2026, the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi brought global leaders, technology firms, civil society and policymakers together to discuss AI and public use. At the same time, Delhi Police put many AI-enabled cameras and monitoring tools around the exhibition centre and central parts of the city.
Rights groups have documented wider uses of facial recognition across India. They say the DigiYatra airport app links Aadhaar IDs, boarding passes and face biometrics, and passengers are often pushed to enrol. Investigations also found some systems failed to identify women after pregnancy or illness, and a welfare service introduced a face check that left many people without food by the end of 2025.
Difficult words
- summit — A meeting where people discuss important topics.
- policymaker — A person who makes rules or government decisions.policymakers
- monitor — To watch or check something over time.monitoring
- facial recognition — Technology that identifies people by their face.
- enrol — To sign up or register for a service.
- welfare — Public help to support people in need.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you feel comfortable using an app that links your ID and face? Why or why not?
- How do you think cameras and monitoring tools change life in a city?
- Have you used any service that asked you to enrol with a photo? Describe the experience.
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