Data bill eases transfer rules, raises penalties

NEW DELHI: The central government on Friday unveiled the Digital Data Protection Bill for public consultation, having redrawn a long-delayed law that will provide the legal framework for the fundamental right to privacy of Indian citizens with major implications for tech companies and digital businesses.

Now in its fourth iteration, the bill was shared by the Union ministry of electronics and technology and will likely be introduced in the upcoming winter session of parliament.

The key aspects of the bill include laying down certain conditions for how personal data — defined as “any data about an individual who is identifiable by or in relation to such data” — of Indian citizens will be handled, the obligations of those that collect it, and the powers of the

Key protections

government in accessing such information.

“The focus is on protecting internet users from all kinds of online harm, and create a safe and trusted digital ecosystem keeping in mind that India is a digital economy powerhouse

The fine companies can attract for lack of breach safeguards today,” said the Union minister for technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, while speaking to reporters in Delhi.

The minister added that the government has “made sure that all principles of privacy” laid