On Wednesday, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the government anticipates enacting the Digital Personal Data Protection law within a span of 6–10 months. In a bold move towards reinforcing individual privacy and enhancing information security, the government has unveiled its ambitious plan to introduce a cutting-edge data protection law within the coming 10 months. This groundbreaking legislation aims to provide citizens and businesses with heightened levels of assurance regarding the use and handling of their personal data.
The Bill, which comes after six years of the Supreme Court declaring ‘Right to Privacy’ as a fundamental right, has provisions to curb the misuse of individuals’ data by online platforms.
We have started work on implementation. This kind of legislation will require a 6-10 month kind of frame. We will take every step with proper checks and balances. It is a guesstimate. We might do it faster than that. The provisions of the bill will apply to data of Indian citizens stored overseas as well. Any person in India, even foreign nationals will get protection under the bill.
Mr. Vaishnaw said.
Amidst opposition members staging a walkout over the Manipur issue, the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2023 found its resounding passage through the corridors of the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, propelled by the harmonious chorus of a voice vote. This legislative milestone, arriving six years after the resolute pronouncement of the ‘Right to Privacy’ as a foundational right by the Supreme Court, heralds a new era in safeguarding individual data from the clutches of misuse by online platforms.
Addressing concerns around changes in the Right to Information Act, he said the Puttaswamy judgement has made the Right to Privacy a fundamental right. Therefore, any personal data can be published only through a legally approved process and in no other form personal information can be shared in any public forum. During the discussion, YSR Congress Party member V Vijayasai Reddy raised the issue of telephone tapping through software.
