Context:

India observed International Data Privacy Day on 28 January to raise awareness about personal data protection. As the world’s third-largest digitalised economy, India uses this occasion to highlight its commitment to citizen-centric data privacy and robust cybersecurity measures.

About the Day:

• • • Data Privacy Day, known in Europe as Data Protection Day, is an international event observed annually on 28 January.
    • It aims to raise awareness about personal data protection, promote privacy best practices, and encourage responsible digital behaviour.
    • First celebrated in 2007 by the Council of Europe, it is now observed in the United States, Canada, Qatar, Nigeria, Israel, and 47 European countries.

India’s Digital Footprint:

• • • Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Platforms such as Aadhaar, UPI, eSanjeevani, and MyGov enable large-scale service delivery and citizen participation.
    • Connectivity and Inclusion: India has 101.7 crore broadband subscribers, mobile data costs as low as $0.10 per GB, and digital platforms deeply embedded in payments, healthcare, education, and governance.
    • Budget Allocation: ₹782 crore (2025–26) has been allocated for cybersecurity initiatives.

Legal and Regulatory Framework in India:

• • • Information Technology Act, 2000:
      • Provides the legal foundation for e-governance, digital commerce, and cybersecurity.
      • Establishes CERT-In for cyber incident response.
    • IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021:
      • Mandates due diligence by intermediaries, grievance redressal mechanisms, and transparency obligations.
    • Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 and DPDP Rules, 2025:
      • Introduces a citizen-centric framework balancing privacy, innovation, and public interest.
      • Establishes the Data Protection Board of India for enforcement and grievance redressal.
      • Grants citizens clear rights, including consent, access, correction, erasure, and special protections for children and persons with disabilities.

Cybersecurity Measures in India:

• • • CERT-In: Cyber incident prevention and threat mitigation.
    • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP): National coordination for cybercrime prevention, reporting, and public awareness.
    • CFMC and Sahyog Portal: Real-time fraud monitoring and content takedown.
    • Capacity Building: Initiatives such as CyTrain, the Cyber Commando Programme, and CSPAI to develop a skilled cybersecurity workforce.
    • Public Awareness: Cyber Swachhta Kendra provides tools, alerts, and malware removal guidance to users.

Significance:

• • • Data privacy builds trust in digital governance, safeguards personal information, and ensures ethical, secure, and citizen-centric innovation.
    • The observance of Data Privacy Day reinforces the shared responsibility of governments, digital platforms, and citizens in protecting personal data.
    • Strong legal and institutional frameworks ensure that India’s digital transformation remains inclusive, resilient, and future-ready.