Decoding Data Protection Bill

Data protection, while ensuring individual privacy, and spelling out the state’s surveillance powers are the need of the hour. The finalisation of the data protection Bill is a step in that direction. Surabhi Agarwal breaks down the jargon and writes what it means for the common user.

Why is there a need for a data protection Bill?
Earlier this week, a Joint Committee of Parliament (JCP) adopted the final report on the Data Protection Bill, marking a milestone for India, the largest open internet market in the world that has been trying to frame a privacy Bill for over a decade. India has nearly 800 million internet users and is the biggest market for many Big Tech firms, including Google, Meta (formerly Facebook) and WhatsApp. The country’s laws have, however, not been able to catch up with massive strides in technology and its umbrella Information Technology Act, 2000 does not even contain the words internet or smartphone. Data protection, ensuring individual privacy and clearly spelling out the state’s surveillance powers are sorely needed, and the Bill’s finalisation is a big step in that direction.