Laptop can be quite a potent source of leakage: Goyal

Piyush Goyal, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, mentioned on Thursday that the choice to limit laptop imports is driven by security considerations. He assured that both the availability and pricing of laptops will remain unaffected. The government is open to collaborating with the industry to explore alternative solutions.

“Here is an issue, which is a serious security matter. Even Tesla car is not allowed anywhere near where Xi Jinping (President of China) is present. Because they’re very conscious of the risks of security. Even for a car being present in the vicinity of the premier of China. India also has to protect ourselves from countries who are antagonistic to India,” Goyal said.

During his address at the book launch event for journalist Nalin Mehta, Goyal emphasized that the current government is one that actively listens and remains approachable.

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Laptop: Security Concerns and Minister’s Anecdote

“We are conscious that laptops are our continuous companion. Laptops are being used for all our privileged and confidential information. And they can be quite a potent source of leakage,” Goyal said.

The minister shared an anecdote that while watching news, his television suddenly went to HDMI 1 port.

” I don’t know, we had not touched any instrument…like what happened just now…now I am even scared about my phone, will have to get this checked too,” Goyal said, in reference to his phone going in emergency mode during the event.

In reference to the ONDC platform, Goyal mentioned that he personally reached out to the owners of three major e-commerce companies and received feedback indicating that their advancement has been sluggish.

“Some people ask me that it’s meant for the small retailers. So why are you taking Amazon, Flipkart, Tatas and Airtel and Reliance and all of these also on ONDC, because I believe we are trying to socialise it and make it a success. We need big and small things to coexist. And that will give choice to consumers,” Goyal said.

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