There is no denying the fact that technology has made our lives easier than we ever thought it to be; however, at one fell swoop, it sometimes tries to invade our privacy to a large extent which is simply unacceptable. Frequently, we get fed up of the information that we have to provide prior to benefiting a facility or service.
Earlier, it was all about comfort and expediency but gradually, organizations’ unnecessary invasion into private details of an individual is raising questions. HDFC seems to be the latest addition to the list of such firms, as it is seeking permission of reading all the emails if you want a credit card.
Recently, a user shared the bad experience with details on Twitter and shortly, it went viral:
Applied for @HDFC_Bank credit card. It sent me a link to "verify" my email address. The verification site needs this access. Yeah right! pic.twitter.com/JeOApLgyek
— JWST stan account (@coderzombie) January 9, 2017
If it is indeed sent by @HDFC_Bank, how is this even legal? I am not going to allow it. @RBI @nixxin
— JWST stan account (@coderzombie) January 9, 2017
It collects all this data from my email account. If this is the cost of getting a credit card, I don't need it. @HDFC_Bank @RBI @nixxin pic.twitter.com/zx3tmS8z2X
— JWST stan account (@coderzombie) January 9, 2017
Later, it was revealed that Verifi.Me, a third-party company, is used by HDFC. According to the website, it’s a verification service which allows individuals to “prove their identities and fast-track their applications”.
However, a big question is that it’s even legal or not….
@HDFCBank_Cares @HDFC_Bank The digital verification process by Verifi Me post applying for credit card is asking for access to mails (1/2)
— Aviraj Gunjal (@AvirajGunjal) July 30, 2016
why does bank require acces to send,delete mail frm my email acc n access to my social media data (2/3) #VerifiMe
— Aviraj Gunjal (@AvirajGunjal) July 30, 2016
This is an infringement of an individuals privacy No sane person cn give access 2this personal data #Verifi (3/3)
— Aviraj Gunjal (@AvirajGunjal) July 30, 2016
https://twitter.com/InternetChandu/status/818348277556883456
Email messages and settings? Whaaat!
— andheri ki furiosa (@navdhad) January 10, 2017
Often, we don’t pay much attention to terms and conditions and simply agree without properly knowing them just because of the faith we have in the firm but to what extent is it correct?
An important point was brought into people’s attention by the Twitterati and many people might agree with it too!!
It's not @HDFC_Bank's fault either. When the government doesn't care enough about privacy to create laws, why would a private organization?
— JWST stan account (@coderzombie) January 10, 2017
Is it justifiable or acceptable to allow a firm to read our emails just to provide us with better services? Let us know your views in this connection in the comments section below.
