The Indian government has used the flux created by the pandemic to speed up automation in social services at a breathtaking pace, without public discussion, necessary safeguards, or even an adequate grievance redress. Last year, just one Indian state government canceled the social security pensions (of just USD 13 a month) of over 1.3 million of its most vulnerable elderly residents. It disqualified them over “data mismatches”, or often inaccurately citing their “death” or “migration”.
This series of stories draws attention to the human truth of those who face a cruel uncertainty when falsely rejected by automated welfare systems. In articles and accompanying videos, it records the narratives of those who have faced “deactivation” by automated verification systems, plunging them into a long-drawn out struggle with the State to prove their existence.
The series' focus on individuals cut off from essential services exposes how access to digital services and grievance redress works in reality for those whom society marginalizes. It finally documents whether the affected communities are able to organize themselves to stave off AI-enabled harms, get relief, and win necessary long-term societal protections.
