Context: 

India has been making significant progress in its digital strategies and data governance in recent years.

• The country has been utilizing technology and digitalization to promote economic growth and improve the lives of its citizens.
• India must ensure that its digital strategies and data governance are inclusive, transparent, secure, and conducive to sustainable development as it continues to evolve.

Image Source: The Hindu

Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA)

• DEPA is India’s Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture, a consent management tool aimed at improving data protection and privacy for citizens.
• DEPA could build trust in digital technologies and data governance by allowing individuals to manage and control their data consents.

India Data Management Office (IDMO)

• India’s establishment of an India Data Management Office is a step forward in the country’s journey towards data sharing and data governance. 
• The IDMO is expected to oversee and coordinate the implementation of India’s digital strategies and data governance framework, and to ensure that these efforts are aligned with the country’s values and priorities. 
• It will also work to promote the development and implementation of open source solutions, which will help to ensure that underlying data architectures are a social public good, and to promote digital technologies to become accessible and affordable for all.

Risks associated:

• Concerns related to security, privacy, infrastructure, connectivity, and availability of skilled workforce.
• Risk of misuse or misappropriation of personal information with improper implementation of DEPA.
• Risks of sensitive information misuse and market information manipulation in health and agriculture sectors.
• Ownership and governance of data generated in health and agriculture
• Additionally, there are concerns that the implementation of DEPA may be inconsistent across different sectors and jurisdictions, which could undermine its effectiveness and create confusion among citizens.

Measures Needed:

• Clear, Transparent and Accountable Data Governance Policies and Regulations
• Investment in Digital Infrastructure and Skills for Responsible, Secure and Accountable Data Handling.
• The state has to play a key role in addressing and resolving such issues. 
• There should be close collaboration between the government, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders and the development of clear and effective regulations and standards.
• Evolutionary and Responsible Data Governance has to be built upon fundamental rights, values and norms and on regulations that balance the interests of all stakeholders. 
• Government should bring strong and robust data protection regulations, the development of ethical and responsible data governance practices, as well as effective and accountable oversight mechanisms.
• It is important to navigate a middle way between restrictive data sovereignty and limitless data flow, and define which data, for which purposes, can be shared and used by whom.
• Respecting and Protecting the Fundamental Right to Privacy with a Robust Data Protection Law.
  • This requires the development of clear, transparent and accountable data governance policies and regulations.
• Investment in the necessary digital infrastructure and skills to ensure that data is collected, stored, and used in a responsible, secure and accountable manner.

News Source: The Hindu