New Data Laws to Replace IT Act Within 3-4 Months: Rajeev Chandrashekar

India is set to replace the IT Act with a ‘Digital India’ Act, says Rajeev Chandrashekar, MoS for electronics and information technology. As part of a comprehensive legislative framework, the set of rules and laws will act as a catalyst for innovation, protecting citizen's rights.

The government aims to bring this framework within three to four months, addressing digital data protection and non-personalised, anonymous data. 

At the U.S.–India Business Council’s USIBC India Ideas Summit, Chandrashekhar said, “Our approach is focused on expanding India's innovation ecosystem and the internet and technology are going to be big enablers in the continued expansion of our economy. We also have a comprehensive approach and will enact a new legislative framework that addresses the digital space and acts as a catalyst for the Indian economy by enabling more innovation, more start-ups and at the same time also protecting the citizens of India in terms of safety and trust and accountability.” 

The minister further emphasised the need for data protection with an approach to the parliament with a comprehensive framework of laws such as the Digital Data Protection Law—which will address the data protection concerns of the economy in the digital space. 

“Additionally, we have the National Data Governance Framework Policy which addresses the non-personalised data and the anonymous data, among others,” he added. 

India is set to become a $300 billion electronics manufacturing industry by 2025~26, from present levels of $75 billion. The country’s manufacturing capabilities had strengthened during the pandemic making it a preferred partner in supply chains at global scales. 

Last month, the personal data protection bill was withdrawn by the government after the joint committee of Parliament flagged several issues, recommending 81 amendments to 99 sections.