CINTAA Privacy Concerns: Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure Demand Answers
Privacy Issues Raised by CINTAA Leaders
Mumbai: Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure, prominent figures in the Cine & TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA), have voiced serious concerns regarding a potential violation of member privacy. They have specifically questioned Upasana Singh about how the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) accessed sensitive member information amidst ongoing internal disputes within CINTAA.
In an interview, Poonam expressed her bewilderment over how FWICE was able to send messages to CINTAA members, emphasizing the privacy of the data involved. "How did they obtain our personal information? This is highly confidential," she remarked.
She highlighted that CINTAA safeguards its members' KYC details, which include Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, contact numbers, and private email addresses.
"We cannot allow any organization to misuse our data for messaging purposes. How did they gain access? This is a significant concern," she added.
Poonam underscored the importance of privacy for film industry members, referencing well-known personalities like Smriti Irani, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Hrithik Roshan, who are known to be protective of their personal information.
She also recounted a previous incident regarding CINTAA's digital security, noting that the association's staff adheres to a protocol that requires regular password changes.
According to her, neither the former president nor the general secretary had access to CINTAA's passwords, as the staff managed the association's email and social media accounts.
Poonam mentioned that Upasana Singh had sent a message to the executive committee late at night, raising her suspicions about the timing.
"Why is she reaching out at 11:30 PM?" Poonam questioned.
She warned that having access to the password could lead to unauthorized entry into CINTAA's Google Drive and other sensitive data.
The actors also addressed claims that documents were removed from CINTAA's office, stating that meetings were necessary as members continued to seek services.
Poonam and Padmini reported issues with office access, alleging that someone had locked their office with a chain. They mentioned having CCTV footage that helped identify the individual but chose not to disclose the name, indicating they were contemplating further action.
Additionally, they claimed that the CEO's office had been sealed with masking tape marked with numbers, dates, and handwritten signatures.
"We cannot access it. Who authorized this? It's unlawful," Poonam stated.
These comments arise amid ongoing tensions within CINTAA, with various issues being raised regarding elections, resignations, and access to member records and personal data.
Poonam also reflected on the confusion surrounding Upasana Singh's call for elections, clarifying that the current office-bearers had not agreed to resign for the election process.