A New Shield for Digital Privacy in India
NEW DELHI — The Indian government said on Friday it would introduce a new data protection bill in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, which begins in July 2025. In an announcement on March 9, 2025, this measure is said to strengthen privacy laws for India’s 1.4 billion people. It comes as the use of digital data skyrockets, fueling concerns over breaches and misuse.
A Call for Stricter Privacy Regulations
India’s digital explosion is enormous. More than 800 million people in this country use the internet. Aadhaar and UPI, for example, process millions of personal data every day. But feeble rules have put citizens at risk. A cybersecurity report indicated that 150 million users were affected by breaches in 2024 alone. This bill, the government says, will change that.
The new legislation is an iteration on the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) of 2023. That law established ground rules for companies and penalties for leaks. Now, they say leaders want stricter controls.” Their goal is to restrict how companies collect and share data. It also aims to restrict government access to personal info, a topic of heated discussion in the past.
What’s in the Bill?
The details are still being kept under wraps. Well, terms of service will emphasize consent and transparency, sources say. Data may only be used by companies with explicit permission. Penalties for violations could be as high as $300 million per violation. The legislation could also create a more powerful Data Protection Board. This body would oversee firms and resolve disputes.
Past laws faced pushback. Parliament has stalled the 2019 Personal Data Protection Bill. Critics argued it gave the government too much power over data. The 2023 legislation attempted to strike a balance between businesses and privacy. But it’s not enough, experts like Apar Gupta, a digital rights lawyer, say. “What we need to have are firm limits on data use,” Gupta said in a recent interview.
Why Now?
Timing matters. India will host the G20 in 2025 — a spotlight on the nation. A robust data law could enhance its tech reputation. Plus, elections loom in 2029. High-ranking officials would like to demonstrate their concern for citizens’ rights. Posts on X express mixed feelings — some cheer the move, while others suspect it won’t work fast.
The legislation comes after years of attempts. As the Supreme Court said in 2017, privacy is a fundamental right. _ — That led to the first draft in 2018. After the 2023 law went through many adjustments. But gaps remain. For instance, most digital skills are concentrated in urban areas. There, breaches often fly under the radar. That bill seeks to plug those holes.
A Global Trend
India isn’t alone. The European Union’s GDPR raises the stakes for data rules. Too, China tracks really tight data. India seeks a middle path: protecting people without stifling tech growth. The $245 billion IT sector fears onerous regulations. Companies like Infosys and TCS need data to compete worldwide.
Still, risks push action. A phone number leak of 50 million old was leaked in 2024 by a scam Last year, fraud in India cost $2 billion, according to Reserve Bank. A solid law could cut that. It could also attract foreign investment. When companies wish to hold data, they indeed want safe markets which they may store data.
What’s Ahead for India’s Data Future?
If approved, the bill would take effect in 2026. The Data Protection Board would have two years to set rules. Keep citizens in the know with powers over their data — such as deleting old information. Businesses would have to quickly adapt or risk steep fines.
Success isn’t sure. Owl visits have been spotty outside of urban infrastructure. Training millions takes time. Also, the government has to demonstrate that it won’t abuse data itself. If it succeeds, India may have the edge in digital trust. Otherwise, privacy troubles could increase. The monsoon session will be crucial. Credible observers anticipate hotly contested arguments as lawmakers write this law.