Data is considered the new oil of 21st century. So for India to tap the full potential of data driven innovation and entrepreneurship, a comprehensive data protection regime for digital communications and appropriate institutional mechanism needs to be established. It is this light that Personal Data Protection Bill 2018, was released to safeguard the privacy, autonomy and choice of individuals and secure digital communications, infrastructure and services.
"Data protection" law in general, refers to policies and procedures seeking to minimize intrusion into the privacy of an individual caused by collection and usage of their personal data.
Current Status Quo
In India, usage of personal data or information of citizens is currently regulated by the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, under Section 43A of the Information Technology Act, 2000
To deal with the issue of data protection, "The Committee of Experts on a Data Protection Framework for India" chaired by Justice B. N. Srikrishna was constituted. The committee examined issues relating to data protection, recommended methods to address them, and drafted a Data Protection Bill. The Personal Data Protection Bill 2018 makes consequential amendments to Information Technology Act 2000 and also amends the Right to Information Act 2005 and permits non-disclosure of personal information where harm to the individual outweighs public good.
Key Provisions of the Bill
'Digi Yatra'- Biometric Recognition in Airports The Ministry of Civil Aviation released a policy on biometric based digital processing of passengers at airports called “Digi Yatra”. Under the initiative, the passenger is allotted a Digi Yatra ID when he/she shares minimum details like Name, e-mail ID, Mobile number etc. This ID is then shared with the airlines and the departure airport at the time of booking of ticket. On date of departure,the facial biometric recognition system recognises the passenger as soon as he/she lands on airport. This ensures seamless movement of passengers and greater handling of passenger traffic as well as improved passenger experience in the airport. |
Criticisms of the Bill
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