Government will try to balance privacy and data security: PM Modi to US CEOs

NEW YORK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday suggested that individuals have ownership of their personal data, stating that the government will strive to strike a balance between data security and privacy with openness.

The statement came during the PM’s meeting with over 40 global CEOs when IBM chief Ginni Rometty and Mastercard’s India-born head Ajay Banga raised the issue of data localisation, an issue of concern with some of the multinationals, who fear that they would face restrictions on transmitting data of millions of Indians and using it commercially.

There were suggestions that there should be a distinction in the treatment of personal and business data. The PM also pushed for investment in start-ups during the meeting.