THE MAKING OF SURVEILLANCE CULTURE: NARRATIVES AND IDEOLOGIES OF DIGITAL INDIA INITIATIVES

Abstract

This thesis examines the strategies and dominant ideologies used for participatory surveillance of digital platform users in India. Unlike older models of surveillance which are exercised through forced compliance, contemporary modes of participatory surveillance rely more on seduction and encouragement. Multiple strategies are carried out by tech corporations and governments to accomplish this feat of participatory surveillance. The thesis begins by historically contextualising the practices of contemporary financial surveillance. It identifies various trends and the socio-political context in the development of the Indian banking sector, which provides the ground to examine contemporary government initiatives in the latter section of this project. This thesis argues that the state has been using various national issues as opportunities to convince the public to trust and opt for the modern banking system and new financial instruments; even at the cost of submitting themselves to intensified surveillance, big data analysis and control.