The government is planning to enforce the Digital Personal Data Protection law within a span of 10 months, as stated by Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. 📅
On Wednesday, the Rajya Sabha passed the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023 through a voice vote despite the opposition members staging a walkout over the Manipur issue. This bill, which comes after six years of the Supreme Court declaring the ‘Right to Privacy’ as a fundamental right, includes provisions to prevent online platforms from misusing individuals’ data. 📜
“We have already commenced work on its implementation. Such legislation will typically require a timeframe of 6 to 10 months. However, we will proceed with caution and ensure proper checks and balances. Although this is just an estimate, we may complete the process even faster,” Vaishnaw mentioned. 🚀
Expanding on the key principles, he emphasized that data collected from citizens should be used strictly in accordance with the law, for the intended purpose only, and the amount of data should be limited to what is necessary. 📊
Vaishnaw also highlighted that citizens will have the right to rectify their data and it should be stored by entities until it is no longer required, while ensuring reasonable safeguards are in place for its protection. 🔒
“The provisions of the bill will also be applicable to the data of Indian citizens stored overseas. This bill will extend protection to any person in India, including foreign nationals,” he assured. 🌐🛡️
Addressing concerns regarding changes in the Right to Information Act, he clarified that the Puttaswamy judgement has established the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right. Consequently, personal data can only be published through a legal process and sharing personal information in any public forum is strictly prohibited. 🙅♂️
During the discussion, YSR Congress Party member V Vijayasai Reddy raised the issue of telephone tapping through software. 📞
Vaishnaw clarified that phone tapping is not covered under the DPDP 2023 and will instead be governed by the Indian Telecommunication Bill and Digital India Act. 📲
The minister revealed that an independent Data Protection Board (DPB) will be established, which will be “digital by design.” This board will ensure equitable access to justice for people across the country, similar to privileged individuals residing in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai. ⚖️
Furthermore, Vaishnaw emphasized that data privacy falls under the jurisdiction of the central government, and the bill will continue to evolve over time. 🏛️
When questioned about the presence of a state-level DPB, the minister clarified that bodies like DPB are established at the national level to prevent misuse of jurisdiction by violators of the rules. 🚫
AIADMK M Thambidurai raised concerns about the medical data of politicians being leaked to the media, emphasizing the need to protect it as personal data. 🩺
Vaishnaw assured that the DPDP 2023 will not supersede sectoral rules, and measures to protect the privacy of health-related data will be in accordance with existing laws. 💉
“However, the healthcare department should not disclose someone’s personal data without proper consent,” he emphasized. 🙏
Finally, Vaishnaw criticized the opposition for their lack of participation in the bill’s discussion. 💬
“The opposition does not seem interested in the rights of 1.4 billion people. They should have participated and joined everyone in passing the bill,” expressed Vaishnaw. 👥
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