The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023 represents a fundamental shift in India's approach to data governance. For businesses, it introduces a framework of obligations that require both policy revision and operational change.
Key Obligations Under DPDPA
The Act imposes obligations on "Data Fiduciaries" — entities that determine the purpose and means of processing personal data. Core requirements include:
- Obtaining free, informed, specific, and unambiguous consent before processing
- Providing clear notice about data collection purpose
- Implementing reasonable security safeguards
- Responding to Data Principal requests within prescribed timelines
Cross-Border Data Transfers
The Act empowers the Central Government to restrict transfers of personal data to specific countries or territories.
Compliance is not a one-time exercise. It is an ongoing programme that must evolve with the regulatory landscape.