The anticipated introduction of the Digital India Act (DIA), aimed at replacing the archaic IT Act of 2000, may face a delay in implementation ahead of the impending general elections, as revealed by Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Speaking at the Global Technology Summit 2023, the minister outlined challenges in ensuring extensive consultations, indicating insufficient time before the elections.
Chandrasekhar acknowledged the imminent release of rules pertaining to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act for public consultation later this month. These regulations are expected to be notified by the end of December or early January, signalling progress in digital legislation efforts.
Highlighting the limitations of the current IT Act, Chandrasekhar emphasized its obsolescence, lacking even the inclusion of the term ‘internet.’ He underscored the consensus for superseding and replacing this outdated legislation with the Digital India Act, a comprehensive document that is currently in the drafting stage.
Despite considerable groundwork and preparedness with a draft in place, the Minister expressed scepticism regarding the legislation’s enactment before the forthcoming elections. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s insistence on rigorous consultations for every digital legislation, underscoring the challenge of meeting this prerequisite within the limited time frame.
The proposed Digital India Act aims to address various facets of the online domain, prioritizing the openness of the internet while curbing the dominance of specific entities. It emphasizes online safety and user protection, intending to regulate addictive technologies through age-gating measures. Additionally, the Act is slated to exercise discretionary control over fake news circulated on social media platforms and proposes the definition and regulation of emerging technologies.
The proposed legislation also includes stringent regulations targeting privacy-invasive devices like spy camera glasses and wearable tech. It seeks to incorporate ‘know your customer’ rules for retail sales of such devices, backed by appropriate criminal law sanctions.
While the Digital India Act represents a comprehensive and forward-looking endeavour, its implementation faces hurdles attributed to the requirement of extensive consultations. The delay in its enactment may extend beyond the upcoming general elections, hindering its immediate integration into the legislative framework.
The postponement in implementing the Digital India Act prior to the upcoming general elections underscores the intricacies and thoroughness required in formulating significant digital legislation. Minister Chandrasekhar’s emphasis on the need for comprehensive consultations aligns with the government’s commitment to soliciting diverse viewpoints and ensuring a robust framework that caters to evolving digital landscapes.
The imminent release of rules for the Digital Personal Data Protection Act signals a proactive step towards fortifying digital privacy laws. This move demonstrates the government’s responsiveness to growing concerns regarding data protection and privacy in the digital sphere. The forthcoming regulations aim to establish a framework that safeguards individuals’ personal data, addressing crucial aspects of data security and privacy within the digital realm.
Amidst the challenges and time constraints highlighted by Minister Chandrasekhar, the delay in enacting the Digital India Act doesn’t deter the government’s commitment to fortify India’s digital governance framework. While the legislative process might extend beyond the elections, the focus remains steadfast on crafting a progressive, inclusive, and robust digital legislation that aligns with the country’s aspirations in the digital era.
The proposed Digital India Act reflects a comprehensive vision to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape, aiming not just at regulatory measures but also at fostering innovation and safeguarding user interests. As the digital ecosystem continues to evolve, the forthcoming legislation is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s digital future, ensuring a conducive environment for growth, innovation, and responsible digital governance.