Airtel responds to code injection controversy; dissociates from notice to activist

We had reported earlier how Thejesh, an activist and blogger was sent a notice by Flash Networks, an Israeli company. All he did was report the manner in which Airtel had introduced a JavaScript code in the pages browsed by Airtel customers.

We had reached out to Airtel for their official comments. The official spokesperson has responded with the following reply:

“This is a standard solution deployed by telcos globally to help their customers keep track of their data usage in terms of megabytes used. It is therefore meant to improve customer experience and empower them to manage their usage. One of our network vendor partners has piloted this solution through a third party to help customers understand their data consumption in terms of volume of data used. As a responsible corporate, we have the highest regard for customer privacy and we follow a policy of zero tolerance with regard to the confidentiality of customer data.
We are also surprised at the Cease & Desist notice served by Flash Networks to Thejesh GN, and categorically state that we have no relation, whatsoever, with the notice.”

From the response, it sticks to the stand mentioned earlier that the code was injected as a service to help users track their data usage. While that is debatable, it is assuring to see Airtel dissociate itself from the cease and desist notice served by Flash Networks to Thejesh.

We are still awaiting a response from Flash Networks.