Digital Data Protection Bill

The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, introduced in India’s Lok Sabha on August 3, 2023 and passed by both houses of Parliament by August 9, 2023, marks a significant step in the regulation of digital personal data. It applies to the processing of such data within India, including data collected online or offline and digitized. It also extends to processing data outside India if it pertains to offering goods or services within the country.

There has been opposition to the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, and concerns have been raised by opposition members of parliament and privacy activists. The primary concerns are centered around the bill’s exemptions for the central government and its agencies.

Critics argue that these exemptions could potentially infringe on citizens’ right to privacy and access to information.