VMC Online Complaint Portal Faces Privacy Questions After Alleged Leak of Complainant Details

A concerned citizen has alleged that personal details and complaint-related information submitted through the civic body's online grievance system were allegedly shared with an outsider by an official or employee of the corporation.

Citizen Alleges Complaint Details Were Leaked

According to the citizen, Vadodara residents regularly use the civic body's website to file online complaints about issues such as stray dogs, stray cattle and other civic problems. Complainants generally expect their personal information and complaint details to remain secure and confidential.

However, the citizen alleged that, based on their personal experience, details of a complaint were leaked to an outsider by someone from within the corporation.

Alleged Leak Caused Mental Stress

The complainant claimed that the disclosure of personal details caused considerable mental stress and harassment.

The citizen also alleged that the incident resulted in a significant loss of valuable time while dealing with the consequences of the alleged disclosure.

No Information on Action Against Official

The matter was reportedly brought to the attention of senior civic officials. However, the complainant alleged that no information was provided regarding whether any action had been taken against the concerned official or employee.

This has raised questions over the security of citizens' personal information and the confidentiality mechanisms in place for VMC's online complaint system.

Citizens Urged to Exercise Caution

The concerned citizen has urged Vadodara residents to exercise caution while filing complaints online through the municipal corporation's website, particularly while sharing personal details.

The allegations have also prompted questions about the safeguards in place to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure of information submitted through the civic body's grievance redressal system.