International Data Privacy Day

Why in the News ?

Data Privacy Day is celebrated internationally every year on January 28th.

Key Points:

• This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting personal data and privacy in the digital age.
• It is also known as Data Protection Day.
• It was established in 2006 to commemorate the signing of the Council of Europe's Convention 108, the world's first legally binding international treaty on data protection.

Importance of Data Privacy in India:

• India is the world's third-largest digitized economy. Digital platforms play an integral role in citizens' daily lives.
• Data privacy protects and safeguards citizens' personal information.
• It enhances trust in digital platforms and makes governance and service delivery secure.
• Strong data security measures help prevent cyber threats, data misuse, and fraud.

India's Digital Landscape and Privacy:

• India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has proven to be the backbone for service delivery, financial transactions, and citizen participation.
• Aadhaar: Trusted Digital Identification System.
• UPI: Revolutionizing financial transactions through digital payments.
• MyGov and e-Sanjeevani: Widening citizen participation and healthcare access.

• Statistics:
  • Over 101.7 crore broadband subscribers (by September 2025).
  • Mobile data costs $0.10 per GB.
  • Digital platforms contribute to identity verification, payments, health, education, and grievance redressal.

Data Security and Cybersecurity Measures:

• The Government of India has taken several steps to strengthen digital infrastructure and cybersecurity:
  1. CERT-In: National Cybersecurity Nodal Agency.
  2. I4C: National Cybercrime Coordination Centre.
  3. NCRP and CFCFRMS: Citizen Financial Fraud Reporting Platform.
  4. CFMC: Real-Time Cyber ​​Fraud Prevention Centre.
  5. Digital Platform Enforcement: Identification of illegal and fraudulent accounts.
  6. Cyber ​​Forensic Laboratories: Data breach analysis and evidence preservation.
  7. Cyber ​​Capacity Building: Cyber ​​Commando Program, CyTrain Digital Learning, and CSPAI Program.
  8. National Awareness Campaign: Citizen-Centric Cyber ​​Hygiene and Malware Analysis.
• Budget 2025-26: ₹782 crore allocated for cyber security.

Legal Framework: Strong Foundation for Data Security:

• Information Technology Act, 2000
  • Legal basis for e-governance, digital commerce, and cybersecurity.
  • Legal recognition of digital signatures and electronic records.
  • Adjudication and appellate bodies for cyber disputes.
• Information Technology Rules, 2021
  • Due diligence and grievance redressal mechanisms for intermediaries (internet service providers, social media platforms, etc.).
  • Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023

• • Ensuring the lawful and responsible use of personal data.
  • Empowering citizens as data principals.
  • Indian Data Protection Board: Compliance, breach investigation, and corrective action.

Key rights under the DPDP Act:

• Right to grant/refuse consent
• Right to be informed about data use
• Right to access and correct data
• Right to update and delete data
• Right to nominate another person
• Mandatory response within 90 days
• Breach notification, contact details, and special protections for children/persons with disabilities

Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025:

• Implementation of the DPDP Act.
• Citizen-centric, transparent, and accountable data protection mechanisms.
• Balance innovation and privacy.

Conclusion:

• Data Privacy Day reminds us that trust, security, and privacy are the cornerstones of India's rapidly growing digital economy.
• Digital innovation must be secure, ethical, and accountable.
• Cybersecurity, institutional capacity building, and citizen awareness must continue to be strengthened.
• Data privacy is a shared responsibility of the government, digital platforms, and citizens.
• Building a strong, secure, and trustworthy Digital India is possible only when personal data security is given top priority.