Police assure public on data security amid concerns over new e-traffic app

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

The Sri Lanka Police have responded to concerns regarding the security of personal data in light of the launch of their new ‘E-Traffic App.’ Some worried that the app, designed for reporting traffic violations, could compromise private data through the Police’s official website. However, the Police assured the public that no private data would be exposed.

Police have introduced the E-Traffic App, a digital platform designed specifically for reporting traffic violations. The app allows citizens to play an active role in improving road safety by submitting evidence of violations directly to the authorities. Police said that the app can be downloaded from their official website.

However, Dr. Sanjana Hattotuwa, a senior disinformation researcher, raised concerns about the app’s reliability, particularly due to the Sri Lanka Police’s recent cybersecurity challenges. Several social media accounts associated with the Police were recently targeted by cyberattacks, increasing public anxiety over the app’s security.
Dr. Hattotuwa also pointed out that, despite promotional claims, the app is not yet available on the Google Play Store, which raised further alarms over privacy and data protection.

In response, a Police spokesperson said that the official website was unaffected by the recent cyberattacks, which targeted only social media accounts. He reassured the public that the E-Traffic App prioritises data security, stating, “We were able to recover all four social media accounts within four to five hours, with the additional time needed for the YouTube account, but the official website was neither hacked nor compromised.”

He said that the app will be available for download on the Play Store and Apple Store next week.

SSP Manatunga also addressed concerns about data security, saying that no private data would be entered into the app’s system.

“There is only a connection through an account. The Police have no ill intentions and are seeking public contributions to maintain law and order. Any weaknesses identified will be addressed in future updates,” he said.
Manatunga said that experts were consulted during the app’s development to ensure data protection.

However, Dr. Sanjana Hattotuwa, a senior disinformation researcher, raised concerns about the app’s reliability, particularly due to the Sri Lanka Police’s recent cybersecurity challenges. Several social media accounts associated with the Police were recently targeted by cyberattacks, increasing public anxiety over the app’s security.
Dr. Hattotuwa also pointed out that, despite promotional claims, the app is not yet available on the Google Play Store, which raised further alarms over privacy and data protection.

In response, a Police spokesperson said that the official website was unaffected by the recent cyberattacks, which targeted only social media accounts. He reassured the public that the E-Traffic App prioritises data security, stating, “We were able to recover all four social media accounts within four to five hours, with the additional time needed for the YouTube account, but the official website was neither hacked nor compromised.”

He said that the app will be available for download on the Play Store and Apple Store next week.

SSP Manatunga also addressed concerns about data security, saying that no private data would be entered into the app’s system.

“There is only a connection through an account. The Police have no ill intentions and are seeking public contributions to maintain law and order. Any weaknesses identified will be addressed in future updates,” he said.
Manatunga said that experts were consulted during the app’s development to ensure data protection.
He further said that the recent cyberattacks, which involved foreign operatives targeting multiple entities, were not exclusive to the Sri Lanka Police, with similar incidents reported in India.            
He further said that the recent cyberattacks, which involved foreign operatives targeting multiple entities, were not exclusive to the Sri Lanka Police, with similar incidents reported in India.