The Standing Parliamentary Committee on Communications and IT is likely to provide a clean chit to the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill. Despite protests from the opposition, the committee is expected to table a 40-page report in Parliament endorsing the Bill, as reported by Moneycontrol.
Dissent Note Criticizes Extensive Powers Given to Government
A member of the committee, who holds different views compared to the prepared report, has drafted a dissent note. The note criticizes the extensive powers granted to the government and its agencies under the DPDP Bill.
Turning Point in Data Processing and Safeguarding Personal Information
Conversely, the report suggests enacting the DPDP Bill into law without any delay. The report describes the implementation of the Bill as a “turning point in the domain of data processing.” Its goal is to safeguard personal information and foster trust in the digital ecosystem.
DPDP Bill- Concerns Over “Blanket Exemptions” and Government’s Role in DPA
The dissent note expresses concerns about the Bill granting “blanket exemptions” to certain government entities. These exemptions may violate the Right to Privacy. The note also criticizes the government for appointing members of the Data Protection Authority (DPA). Fears exist that the Centre could control the DPA and compromise its independence.
DPDP Bill- Journey and Increased Accountability for Startups
In July, the Union Cabinet cleared the DPDP Bill with minor changes after consulting stakeholders. Earlier, the government withdrew the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2021, due to proposed amendments by a joint parliamentary committee (JPC). The DPDP Bill introduces new changes, including the concepts of data fiduciary and users’ right to manage and withdraw consent for sharing information. The new data privacy law will hold startup businesses more accountable for managing sensitive data and may impose penalties of up to INR 500 Crore for non-compliance.
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