What is National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)?

About National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID):

• It is conceptualised as a seamless and secure database for information on terrorists, economic crimes and similar incidents to help bolster India's capabilities.
• Background: 
  • The project was started in 2009 in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
  • NATGRID was set up as an attached Office of the Ministry of Home Affairs with effect from December 1, 2010.
  • It started its operations on December 31, 2020.
• Natgrid services will be available to 11 central agencies and police departments of all states and union territories. 
• Operation:
  • It has been mandated to maintain a repository of intelligence databases.
  • It works as an integrated intelligence grid that connects databases of core security agencies of the government of India.
  • It will have data related to all immigration entry and exit, banking and financial transactions, credit card purchases, telecom, individual taxpayers, air flyers, train travellers besides others to generate intelligence inputs.
  • It will utilise Big Data and Analytics to study huge amounts of data generated to analyse events in order to get a better picture as well as to trail suspects.
  • The data is used to counter illegal activities by sharing information with several security agencies. 
• Data Protection: The data is end-to-end encrypted and can be accessed only after proper authorisation and authentication have been completed.