New Delhi: The Lok Sabha successfully passed the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, on Monday, marking a significant step towards safeguarding personal digital information. Addressing the Lok Sabha, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasised the global recognition of India’s Digital India initiative. He highlighted the interest of other nations in adopting elements such as UPI and Aadhaar to enhance their own digital landscapes.
“Villages and rural areas are getting connected with digital journey. The bill has been introduced to give rights, provide security and privacy to the people. This Bill has been introduced after having it discussed in a series of Parliamentary committee meetings,” minister said.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill delineates the rights and responsibilities of both digital citizens (referred to as “Digital Nagriks”) and Data Fiduciaries, who are obligated to lawfully handle collected data. A key focus of the bill is shielding internet users from online threats and cultivating a secure and reliable digital ecosystem, especially pertinent given India’s standing as a powerhouse in the digital economy.
The revised draft of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill introduces a framework for six distinct categories of penalties for non-compliance. Regarding the cross-border transfer of personal data, the bill stipulates that the Central Government may identify and notify countries or territories outside India where Data Fiduciaries can transfer personal data, subject to specific terms and conditions determined through a thorough assessment.
During the formulation of the bill, the government ensured comprehensive deliberations on a range of principles, encompassing individual rights, obligations of entities handling personal data, and the regulatory framework, among other crucial aspects, as part of the 2019 Personal Data Protection Bill discussions.
Comments