Shaping India's Data Governance Regime

Why in news?

To use India’s G20 presidency to promote international cooperation in data governance there by resolving the issues concerning data governance

How significant is data governance?

• Increases the transparency, accountability and inclusive in nature.
• Helps in protecting the privacy of individuals.
• Helps in policy framing especially in inclusion and exclusion error management of policies.
• Creates employment opportunities.
• Helps in targeted delivery of schemes.

What are the recent efforts taken by government?

Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA)

• It was launched by the NITI Aayog in 2020.
• DEPA is a consent management tool.
• DEPA has the potential to improve data protection and privacy for citizens by giving them greater control over the use and sharing of their personal information.
• DEPA could help to build trust in digital technologies and data governance.

India Data Management Office (IDMO)

• IDMO is expected to oversee and coordinate the implementation of India’s digital strategies and data governance framework
• It will ensure that data governance efforts are aligned with the country’s values and priorities.
• IDMO will frame, manage and periodically review and revise the National Data Governance Framework Policy (NDGFP).
• It is be set up under the Digital India Corporation("DIC") under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITy).

What are the issues related to DEPA?

• Issues with DEPA - If the consent management tool (DEPA) is not properly implemented or managed, there is a risk that personal information could be misused or misappropriated.
• Implementation of DEPA may be inconsistent across different sectors and jurisdictions, which could undermine its effectiveness and create confusion among citizens.

Gopalakrishnan committee recommended the identification of certain “high-value datasets”, which could be shared for the purpose of encouraging innovation and ensuring national security.

What is the need of the hour?

• India must respect and protect the fundamental right to privacy with a robust data protection law, and balance the interests of all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and citizens for the goal of sustainable development
• To ensure that data is collected, stored, and used in a responsible, secure and accountable manner — so that a resilient data governance regime can be accomplished
• In order to realize the potential benefits of DEPA and minimize the risks, it is important that the tool is implemented in a transparent, consistent, and secure manner.
• This will require close collaboration between the government, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders.
• Opening of data “silos” to capture the potential wealth of data sharing between governmental offices, corporations and citizens.

References

1. The Hindu | A Chance for India to shape Data governance regime
2. MEITY | National Data Governance Framework policy