Latest update:29 January 2026, 9:05 PM IST

The food plate allegedly made from reused bank documents contains customer details including names, locations and payment details.

The information was readable despite being smudged. (Image source: Instagram)

One street food dish has sparked a nationwide debate over data privacy. This did not come from an announcement of a data breach or hacking scandal, but instead, the viral, seemingly old image left social media users stunned, angry and deeply uncomfortable about how personal information is handled in India.

The now-viral post shows a roadside food dish allegedly made from reused bank documents containing customer details. The photo was shared on X by a user, and was accompanied by a candid caption, “In India, your data privacy is not even in your hands.” The message hit a nerve immediately, sparking a wave of reactions across the platform.

In India, your data privacy is not even in your hands

Details of bank documents

At first glance, it looks like an ordinary paper plate holding street food. But a closer look reveals something even more troubling. Parts of the sheet clearly display printed fields such as names, locations, and details related to payment. While some information appears written, much of it remains readable even though it is smeared with food, oil and sauce.

The photo appears to have been taken in a busy public transit area, perhaps near a railway station or a metro escalator. Passengers can be seen in the background, walking across the platforms, and in the foreground the person stands holding the plate. The post highlights how a document that previously contained sensitive financial information can be repurposed as disposable cutlery.

Concerns about data privacy in comments

Social media users were quick to respond, expressing shock, anger and black humor over what they described as a blatant violation of data privacy. One comment questioned accountability, asking: “Banks should answer how and why paper containing customer details is sold as recyclable paper to roadside food vendors?”

Another user wrote: “An organization of this size does not have adequate standards for safe disposal of such papers? Is this true?” Someone asked: “Is customer privacy a myth in India?”

Others responded sarcastically. One note reads: “What if someone used the extremely valuable information from this flip chart and stole all their assets including their savings, house, vehicles, and family?” Although the comment was hyperbolic, it highlighted a very real fear: how easily personal data can fall into the wrong hands.

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