• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of human-centric approaches, as highlighted at the United Nations Summit of the Future, guides India’s data protection policies.
• The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025 operationalize the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, ensuring the protection of citizens’ personal data rights.

A NEW ERA OF EMPOWERMENT: PUTTING CITIZENS FIRST

• Empowerment of Citizens:
  • Citizens are at the core of the DPDP Rules, 2025.
  • The rules grant rights such as informed consent, data erasure, and the ability to appoint digital nominees.
  • These rights protect individuals from unauthorized data use and empower them to manage their digital identities.
• Simplicity and Inclusivity:
  • The framework is simple, ensuring accessibility for all citizens, regardless of technical knowledge.
  • Consent must be obtained clearly, and information will be provided in 22 Indian languages, promoting inclusivity.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN IN THE DIGITAL AGE

• Special provisions for the digital safety of children:
  • Parental/guardian consent is required for processing minors’ personal data.
  • Additional safeguards protect children from exploitation, unauthorized profiling, and digital harm.

BALANCING PROTECTION AND INNOVATION IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

• Protecting Citizens while Enabling Growth:
  • India’s approach balances data protection with the promotion of innovation.
  • Unlike strict international models, India’s pragmatic framework supports both digital economy growth and personal data security.
• Support for Small Businesses:
  • Small businesses and startups face lower compliance burdens due to graded responsibilities based on their size and capacity.

A DIGITAL-FIRST PHILOSOPHY

• Efficiency through Technology:
  • The Data Protection Board will primarily function digitally, enhancing efficiency and transparency in grievance resolution and compliance enforcement.
  • Citizens can file complaints, track progress, and seek resolutions digitally.
• Streamlined Processes for Fiduciaries:
  • Consent mechanisms and data management workflows are simplified, promoting ease of compliance and engagement.

INCLUSIVE PROCESS: PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• The drafting of the DPDP Rules involved extensive stakeholder input and a study of global best practices.
• 45-day public consultation period encourages feedback from citizens, businesses, and civil society, ensuring an adaptable and robust framework.

RAISING AWARENESS AND EDUCATING CITIZENS

• Awareness Initiatives:
  • Widespread initiatives will inform citizens of their rights and responsibilities regarding personal data protection.

A GLOBAL PRECEDENT: INDIA’S LEADERSHIP IN DATA GOVERNANCE

• The DPDP Rules, 2025, set a precedent in global data governance, positioning India as a leader in shaping secure, inclusive, and innovative digital futures.

CALL TO ACTION: PARTICIPATORY POLICYMAKING

• Engagement:
  • Citizens, businesses, and civil society are encouraged to participate in the public consultation period to refine the rules.
  • The framework aims to represent the aspirations of a secure, inclusive, and thriving digital India.