Context:

India’s recent progress in digital strategies and data governance includes advancements in digital technologies, such as providing access to bank accounts and promoting digital transactions through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

About DEPA:

• The launch of India’s Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA), a consent management tool, has generated both excitement and concern among stakeholders. 
• Significance:

• • 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. 
  • By allowing individuals to easily manage and control their data consents, DEPA could help to build trust in digital technologies and data governance.

Concerns:

• 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.

The issue of data sovereignty: 

• The term “data sovereignty” refers to the principle that a country has the right to control the collection, storage, and use of data within its borders and also to the informational self-determination of citizens over their data.

Conclusion:

India has embraced technology and digitalisation to drive economic growth and to improve the lives of its citizens. However, as the country continues to evolve, it must also ensure that its digital strategies and data governance are inclusive, transparent, secure and conducive to sustainable development.

News Source: The Hindu