24-June-2025 Daily Answer Writing

Q1) Discuss the status and challenges in the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
(GS Paper 2 – Governance | 15 Marks | 250 Words)

Answer:

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, seeks to regulate data processing, ensure user consent, and establish a Data Protection Board for grievance redressal.

Current Implementation Status:

• Rules are yet to be notified, delaying institutional setup.
• Grievance mechanisms and consent managers are pending operational clarity.
• Centralized Data Protection Board is still non-functional.

Key Challenges:

• Capacity Gaps: Government departments and private firms lack compliance infrastructure.
• Federal Concerns: States feel excluded from data governance frameworks.
• Surveillance Fears: Exemptions for government agencies raise privacy concerns.
• Tech Readiness: SMEs face compliance burden due to lack of digital hygiene.

Way Forward:

• Fast-track rules notification and capacity building.
• Ensure federal consultations and build user trust.
• Balance privacy with security by defining clear exemption boundaries.

Conclusion:

The Act is a milestone in India’s digital governance but demands careful and participatory implementation to build a privacy-first data economy.

Read More – 20 June 2025: Daily Answer Writing