Will India sync its DPDP act with EU’s GDPR

Indian DPDP act will apply to the processing of digital personal data within India where such data is collected online, or collected offline and is digitised. It will also apply to such processing outside India, if it is for offering goods or services in India.

Personal data is the information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual. Businesses as well as government entities process personal data for delivery of goods and services. Processing of personal data allows understanding preferences of individuals, which may be useful for customisation, targeted advertising, and developing recommendations.

Processing of personal data may also aid law enforcement. Unchecked processing may have adverse implications for the privacy of individuals, which has been recognised as a fundamental right. It may subject individuals to harm such as financial loss, loss of reputation, and profiling.

The European Commission is reportedly analysing India’s newly-formed data protection law. EU’s GDPR requires other countries to be fully compliant with its norms and ensure an adequate level of data protection for transferring the personal data of EU citizens to those countries.

The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires other countries to be fully compliant with its norms and ensure an adequate level of data protection for transferring the personal data of EU citizens to those countries.

Aligning India's data protection framework with the GDPR would promote harmonization and interoperability across the EU and India, facilitating cross-border data flows and reducing the compliance burden for businesses operating in both jurisdictions.

The GDPR is considered a gold standard for data protection, and aligning India's law with its principles would provide stronger safeguards for the personal data of Indian citizens.

Overall, syncing up with the GDPR would be a positive step for India in terms of protecting its citizens' data, promoting its digital economy, and enhancing its global standing.

S Mohini Ratna Editor  VARINDIA