New Delhi (Agency): The Indian government is making big moves in the digital world. On Wednesday, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made a key announcement. He said that the Digital Personal Data Protection law will likely be in place within the next 10 months. This news comes after the Rajya Sabha approved the bill.
What’s so special about this bill? It came into focus six years after India’s Supreme Court named the ‘Right to Privacy’ as a fundamental right for all citizens. The main aim of the law is to stop misuse of personal data on the internet.
Vaishnaw shed light on the plan, saying, “We have started work on implementation. This kind of legislation will require a 6-10 month kind of frame.” He also hinted that the process might even be faster.
But what does this mean for regular people? A lot, actually. The minister explained some core principles:
Use Data Rightly: Data should only be used in ways the law allows. It should be collected only for its intended purpose. Plus, the amount of data gathered should fit the need.
Correct and Protect Data: Every person has the right to fix their own data. This information should be kept only as long as needed. During that time, there must be strong safety measures to protect it.
Protection for All: The law will guard the data of Indian citizens, even if stored in other countries. Even foreign nationals in India will get this protection.
Vaishnaw clarified about the balance between privacy and sharing information. He noted the Puttaswamy judgement. Because of it, personal data can only be shared through legal ways. It cannot be given out in public spaces without proper approval.
The discussion on this bill raised many questions. One important topic was phone tapping through software. The minister answered that this matter will be tackled in the Indian Telecommunication Bill and Digital India Act.
The government plans to set up an independent Data Protection Board (DPB). Vaishnaw describes it as “digital by design.” This board aims to ensure justice related to data issues, reaching even to those outside major cities.
As discussions went on, some wondered if states will have their own DPBs. The answer? No. These boards are made at the national level to make sure rules are applied fairly.
Another concern was about personal health data of leaders appearing in media. Vaishnaw explained that existing laws will guide rules for media. Yet, he emphasized, “the healthcare department should not leak someone’s personal data without proper consent.”
At the end, Vaishnaw expressed disappointment. He was upset that the opposition did not actively join the discussion. “Opposition has no interest in the rights of 140 crore people. They should have also participated and joined everyone in passing the bill,” he stated.
In all, this new bill marks a significant step for India. It reflects a deep understanding of the digital age’s challenges and opportunities. Protecting personal data is a must in today’s world, and with this legislation, India is showing its commitment to that cause.
