Opposition MPs flag concerns about revised Data Bill, propose 40 changes - ET Telecom
Opposition MPs have raised significant concerns regarding the draft Digital Data Protection Bill, citing excessive centralization of power and a lack of independence for the Data Protection Board. They argue that the government retains unchecked authority to exempt itself and certain entities from compliance under broad national security justifications. This structure contradicts global best practices by allowing the executive to dictate board appointments and terms, potentially undermining the regulatory body’s autonomy and accountability. The bill’s provisions also threaten transparency and vulnerable groups. By proposing amendments to the Right to Information Act, the draft removes the ability to disclose personal data if it serves a greater public interest, effectively silencing accountability mechanisms. Furthermore, the legislation fails to adequately protect children’s data and includes dangerous "deemed consent" clauses that could allow healthcare providers to share patient information without explicit permission, violating the constitutional right to privacy established by the Supreme Court. This article is crucial for open data advocates as it highlights the tension between state control and individual rights. It underscores the importance of transparent, accountable, and independent data governance frameworks. For open data initiatives to thrive, they require robust legal safeguards against arbitrary state exemptions and clear protections for public interest disclosures, ensuring that data usage does not come at the cost of democratic oversight and fundamental civil liberties.
Source: telecom.economictimes.indiatimes.comPublished on 2023-03-29