Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability
Q3. Examine how the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, strengthens the legal framework for data governance in India. What are the broader implications for individual privacy and state accountability? (10 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
The draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules seek to protect citizens’ rights in accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, while achieving the “right balance between regulation and innovation”.
Key demand of the question
To analyze how the DPDP Act strengthens data governance, ensuring privacy and transparency, and discuss its broader implications for individual rights and state accountability.
Structure of the Answer
Introduction
Begin with the significance of data protection in a digital economy and the growing emphasis on privacy as a fundamental right post the Puttaswamy judgment.
Body
- Strengthening the legal framework: Discuss how the Act establishes clear rules for data fiduciaries, citizen empowerment, and penalties for non-compliance.
- Implications for individual privacy: Highlight provisions safeguarding citizens’ autonomy, children’s data, and protection against data breaches.
- Implications for state accountability: Mention how the Act ensures proportional state data collection, grievance redressal mechanisms, and regulation of cross-border data transfers.
Conclusion
End with a forward-looking note on how the Act positions India as a global leader in ethical digital governance while balancing innovation and inclusivity.
