THE draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) rules aim to safeguard citizens’ rights for the protection of their personal data and also address specific challenges like unauthorised commercial use of data and digital harms, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology said on Sunday. The rules empower citizens by giving them greater control over their data with provisions for informed consent, the right to erasure and grievance redressal. Parents and guardians are empowered to ensure online safety for their children, the official statement explains. The rules are designed to empower citizens in a rapidly growing digital economy, while achieving the right balance between regulation and innovation, so that the benefits of India’s growing innovation ecosystem are available to all citizens and India’s digital economy, the statement said.

 

The rules place citizens at the heart of the data protection framework. Data Fiduciaries must provide clear and accessible information about how personal data is processed, enabling informed consent, it added. The statement highlights that India’s model strikes a unique balance between fostering innovation and regulation to protect personal data. Unlike restrictive global frameworks, these rules encourage economic growth while prioritizing citizen welfare. Stakeholders view this as a new global template for data governance. An adequate period would be provided so that all stakeholders, from small enterprises to large corporates, may transition smoothly to achieve compliance with the new law, the statement said.

 

The rules embrace a “digital by design” philosophy. Consent mechanisms, grievance redressal and the functioning of the Data Protection Board are all aimed at ensuring Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business. The Board will function as a digital office, with a digital platform and app to enable citizens to approach it digitally and to have their complaints adjudicated without their physical presence being required, the statement explained. From processing complaints to interacting with Data Fiduciaries, workflows are optimised to ensure speed and transparency. This reflects India’s forward-looking approach to governance and builds trust between citizens and Data Fiduciaries, the statement said.