Are we ready for the ‘Game’ of DPDPA?

Much awaited DPDPA rules are expected to be released shortly. The anticipation of these rules has created quite a stir in the industry. During my recent interactions with industry leaders and clients, I have seen that some organizations have already started their compliance journey in some shape and form while some are awaiting rules to be enacted. The billion-dollar question is, is the wait and watch approach, correct? On the other hand, GDPR compliant organizations are nonchalant as they expect minimal deviations, making it easier to comply.???

Just over a month ago, India witnessed its T20 world-cup victory after 13 long years of wait, and it was a collective show of teamwork – Be it, Surya’s top-notch catch in the last over, Hardik’s swaying performance with both bat and the ball, Bumrah’s consistency, Virat’s rising to the occasion innings or the great leadership of Rohit Sharma. The Indian team achieved their dream by coming together as one whole unit and delivering. Similarly, for achieving DPDPA compliance, different players such as Regulatory authorities with detailed guidelines and standards, Government with a supportive legal framework, Independent Bodies with their ability, research and best practices, Industry Leaders implementing data protection policies with transparency and Citizens exercising their rights, must come together displaying the world a road to a seamless compliance.?If we are expecting answers to all our questions from the Government, it’s not going to help. What we need to factor in is that, for a country of our size, for such an initiative there are no steppingstones like how EU Directive was there prior to GDPR. However, we all know that we need to start somewhere, and the first step will?be a steep one. But the reality is that the one who has the courage to take the step is the one who is going to come quickly to the track of compliance. ?

With 1.4 billion citizens, India’s DPDPA is set to play a crucial role in shaping Global Data Privacy Landscape. The game is in everyone’s hands. It is our time to answer, if we want to take the approach of T20 and start fixing the low hanging fruits or play a game of classic test cricket. Whatever the format one wants to play, one needs to get on to the field. We do not necessarily have to follow the rest of the world approach. We can be different and set a new benchmark in a country’s privacy regulation journey. ?

I am extremely excited to be a part of this new era of ‘Digital Rights Revolution’ and committed to #letsgetDPDPAdone and #DPDPAisourpride.?

Note: I would like to thank, not AI but AK (Anushka Khandelwal) for co-authoring this?article.?