Explained : Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, 2016

The Ministry of Home Affairs, India is seeking suggestions and comments on much criticised Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, 2016. Before we explain, we would like to make clear that The Indian Capitalist fully supports Geospatial Information Regulation Bill (GIRB), 2016. There are some rumours being spread by well established media houses against this bill and it is our attempt to clear all the confusion.

GIRB will regulate the acquisition, dissemination, publication and distribution of geospatial information of India which is likely to affect the security, sovereignty of the nation. Geospatial information means location data acquired digitally through platforms like space, UAV, aircrafts, airships, balloons etc. or graphical data showing charts, surveys, maps, terrestrial photos. Any person, private limited company who has previously acquired geospatial data has to register with Security Vetting Authority. The Security Vetting Authority will accept or reject the application within 3 months. The provision is applicable to both offline and online maps.

No person or company operating in India shall depict, disseminate, distribute or publish any incorrect information on topography of India including international borders. This act will act hard against media houses and internet companies which doesn't show PoK, Arunachal Pradesh or any other state/UT in India's map. The president of India and the constitution clearly states that Jammu & Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh are integral part of India.

India's map has always been in controversy as both Pakistan and China claim for the land which is acquired by India. In April 2015, Doha based Al Jazeera was banned for 5 days for not showing Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the map of India. Similarly, the ministry of external affairs has protested against BBC and other international media for publishing Jammu & Kashmir state of India in dotted lines.

In November 2014, Queensland university of Technology displayed a map of India without J&K during PM Modi's visit. The university issued an apology after strong protest by the MEA. Similar controversies were seen in India Election 2014 when AAP showed wrong map of India on their website.

Any rule breakers or so called anti-nationalist have to pay huge consequences for non adherence of GIRB. Fine ranging from Rs. 1 crore to 100 crore and/or 7 years jail incase of :-

- Acquisition of digital or physical map of India without the nod of SVA.

- Use of illegal geospatial information outside of India

- Wrong depiction of map of India

- Violation of contract

- In case the company breaks a law, the person in charge is responsible.

The act does not apply to government organisations.

TIC's take

The Indian Capitalist fully support Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, 2016. International news outlets and Internet companies operating in India should respect India's claim on its territory. GIRB is only applicable for digital maps or physical maps taken from satellites, UAVs, aircrafts etc. Hand drawn maps or animated representation of India cannot be described as geospatial information hence use of such art is and will be completely legal.

TIC is of a view that security vetting authority should only give license to map companies. For instance, if Google Maps is approved by SVA then businesses or educational institutes using approved google maps should not require a license to run their daily operations.

After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and Pathankot attack, it is utmost important to blur important buildings, nuclear stations, dams, military bases as this open information is used by terrorist to create fear among the people of India.

Read the full act - http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/GeospatialBill_05052016_eve.pdf

- Chaitanya Kulkarni ( twitter.com/chai2kul )