What Does The Indian Personal Data Protection Bill Say? Information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar said that the bill will be introduced in the Parliament during the current winter session

By Shreya Ganguly

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Shutterstock

The widely discussed Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill has finally received a green signal from the union government. The bill proposes that any critical information related to individuals should be stored and processed only in India. It states that "sensitive personal data" needs to be stored locally but can be processed in abroad, subject to certain conditions.

According to media reports, information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar said that the bill will be introduced in the Parliament during the current winter session. The reports also revealed that the bill may include guidelines on collection, storage and processing of personal data, consent of individuals, penalties and compensation, code of conduct and an enforcement model.

However, reports suggest that the government is planning to allow internet companies to store and process non-personal data of the Indian users on international servers.

Related Story: Will US-Japan Treaty For Cross-Border Data Flow Put Pressure on India?

What Does The PDP Bill Say?

The draft PDP bill was introduced by a committee in July 2018. The bill has defined personal data as any data of a natural person which allows direct or indirect identifiability. The bill defines sensitive personal data as financial data, biometric data, religious and political beliefs, caste, intersex/transgender status, and official IDs such as Permanent Account Number.

After several recent incidents of data breaches, the Indian government's step towards data localisation to safeguard Indian internet users is a welcome move.

Citing government sources, media reports revealed that the bill proposed social media companies to create a mechanism so that a voluntary verifiable mechanism has to be made when Indians register themselves on the platform.

PDP Bill Not Popular Globally

The data protection bill garnered criticism from e-commerce and social media companies across the globe.

Tech giants have reportedly shown their discontentment with the bill as this may require them to change their business models. Foreign portfolio investors dealing in securities traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange have also voiced their displeasure with the bill.

Shreya Ganguly

Former Features Writer

Covering startups and investments for Entrepreneur India. Previously a startup correspondent at Inc42. Reach out to me with interesting story ideas at sganguly@entrepreneurindia.com. 

Related Topics

Leadership

How to Win Over the Room With Effective Persuasion Skills

The art of persuasion is not just about the notes, the data, and the pitch; it's about creating a connection that resonates with the audience. We explore how a blend of story, active listening, and genuine interaction can not only capture attention but also win hearts and minds, setting the stage for achieving success in any meeting.

Living

Discover Your New Favorite Show or Movie with This App, Now $39.99 for Life

Think of this app as your very own, personalized guide to streaming film and TV.

Living

'I Haven't Ticked All the Boxes Yet.' Hilary Duff Reveals Her Next Venture After More Than 2 Decades in the Spotlight — and the Surprisingly Relatable Key to Her Enduring Success

The actor talks entrepreneurship, secrets to success and her latest role as chief brand director for Below 60°, a product line of air fragrances.

Devices

Upgrade Your Tech with $200 Off a MacBook Pro

If you're in the market for a new laptop, then you won't want to miss this deal.

Leadership

Why Overcoming the Shadows of Your Past Will Lead to Your Brightest Future

How to face and overcome the voices holding you back to propel yourself forward

Business Process

Employees Check Their Emails 36 Times An Hour — Here Are 5 Proven Tips to Get That Time Back.

The idea of "inbox zero" is much more than a myth — it's doable.