International Data Privacy Day

International Data Privacy Day, observed annually on 28 January, highlights the critical importance of protecting personal data in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Also known as Data Protection Day, it marks the signing of Convention 108 in 2006 by the Council of Europe—the world’s first legally binding international treaty on data protection.

Shared Responsibility in the Digital Ecosystem
The day serves as a reminder that data protection is a shared responsibility of governments, digital platforms and citizens alike. Safeguarding personal information is essential for building a secure, trusted and inclusive digital ecosystem, particularly as digital services and data-driven technologies become integral to everyday life.

Data Privacy as a Pillar of Digital Governance
Data privacy is a foundational element of responsible digital governance. It:

• Protects citizens’ personal information across large-scale digital platforms
• Builds trust in government-led digital services
• Enables the ethical, secure adoption of emerging technologies such as AI and data analytics

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
India’s Digital Public Infrastructure has emerged as the backbone of its digital transformation:

• Aadhaar has established a trusted digital identity framework
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised real-time digital payments, promoting financial inclusion and transparency

Legal and Regulatory Framework in India
India’s approach to data protection and cybersecurity is anchored in a robust legal framework:

• The Information Technology Act, 2000 provides legal recognition to electronic records and digital signatures, enables e-governance, and establishes key cybersecurity mechanisms.
• Under the Act, CERT-In functions as the national incident response agency for cybersecurity threats.

Role of Intermediary Guidelines, 2021
The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 complement the IT Act by:

• Mandating due diligence by digital intermediaries
• Establishing grievance redressal mechanisms
• Promoting a safer, more accountable and transparent online environment