The Data Protection Industry in India today is waiting for MeitY to start a discussion on the DPDPA Rules.
Currently there is one section of the market which is convinced that MeitY has shared its draft with a closed group of its trusted international Tech Companies like the Meta, Microsoft and Google through their agents in Delhi and is waiting for their approval. Such approvals can only come from USA, and hence delay is inevitable.
Earlier multiple versions like PDPB 2018, PDPB 2019 and DPA 2021 were rejected because there was no “Consensus” in the Big Tech and their agents in India.
Seeking consensus on DPDPA from this section of the industry is like seeking consensus for the Indian Opposition in the Parliament on any action of the Government. If we want progress, we have to have conviction, act in good faith and move on.
DPDPA is a law that affects organizations other than the Big Techies and hence there are many in the industry who are keen to know the mind of MeitY because the Rules can overnight impose “Potential Financial Risks” that have to be provided for in the books of account. Whether they comply or not, the CFOs will demand provision for potential losses and Insurance to cover the Risks.
Hence it is in the interest of the industry that the current state of uncertainty is cleared at the earliest and Rules are made for the benefit of the larger MSME section of the society rather than the handful of members of the BigTech Association.
For this purpose, the section of the industry who are today away from the policy making group in Delhi needs to be vocal and express their views strongly. An opportunity for such expression is being created by FDPPI by an Industry meet on July 27 at Bangalore which should not be missed by them.
The Current version that MeitY has circulated is not necessarily the ideal set of Rules. But we can take it as the best effort preparation and together help MeitY to improve upon it by participate in the July 27 event and forging a strong response.
This should help MeitY to reduce their dependence on the Big Tech and their agents who are bullies in their own right and want MeitY to be at their beck and call.
FDPPI is now giving a platform to this section of the industry to come together and rally behind FDPPI so that MeitY can be liberated from the shackles placed by the Big Tech.
Let Us meet on July 27 at Bangalore to discuss the “DPDPA Rules” and help MeitY to move ahead. Check out www.fdppi.in and register for your participation. If the industry does not raise your voice, there will be no opportunity to change the course of the Rules later.
Let us not be like the Voters who fall for the “Guarantee Bait” and later complain about raising taxes.
Naavi
