Safety and Trust at the Heart of Digital India Act
Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, recently held the Digital India Dialogues to deliberate on the principles of the upcoming Digital India Act. This legislation aims to replace the existing IT Act and establish a robust legal framework for protecting the rights of digital citizens while fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth.
Addressing Online Harm and Ensuring a Safe Digital Environment
During the dialogues, Minister Chandrasekhar emphasised the importance of safety and trust in the Digital India Act. With regulators worldwide grappling with online harm, the Act seeks to address this issue comprehensively. As India prepares to welcome a vast online population of 1.3 billion users, it is imperative for these “Digital Nagriks” to access the internet without fear or mistrust, especially as government services increasingly move online. A safe and trusted digital environment is crucial for all stakeholders.
Combating Misinformation and Disinformation in the Digital Sphere
Minister Chandrasekhar highlighted the urgent need to combat the weaponization of misinformation and disinformation, particularly with the rise of AI-driven deep fakes. The Digital India Act aims to tackle this significant concern and mitigate the risks associated with malicious content spreading across digital platforms.
Sectoral Regulation and Collaboration for a Harmonized Approach
Regarding sectoral regulation, the Digital India Act will empower sectoral regulators, such as the RBI and SEBI, and other ministries to create additional safeguards. The Act seeks to harmonise existing laws and regulations, ensuring a cohesive and consistent approach to digital governance.
Balancing Innovation and User Protection in Emerging Technologies
Minister Chandrasekhar assured stakeholders that the Act would adopt a risk-based approach to regulate emerging technologies, with a focus on minimising harm to digital citizens. While encouraging innovation, the Act will prioritise safeguarding users’ interests. The industry will have the opportunity to propose guardrails for technologies like blockchain and Web 3.0, ensuring responsible and ethical deployment.
Startup Compliance and Supportive Policies
The Minister reassured stakeholders that recent laws, such as the CERT-In directions and the upcoming Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, acknowledge the unique needs of startups. These laws provide exemptions or extended compliance timelines, supporting the growth and development of startups within the digital ecosystem.
Digital India Act as a Pillar of India’s Cyber Law Framework
The Digital India Act will serve as a crucial component of the Global Standard Cyber law framework, formulated by the Government to catalyse India’s digital economy goals. Alongside other policies and guidelines, such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill and the National Data Governance Framework, the Act aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the digital realm.
Collaborative Consultations Driving Digital Policy
The Digital India Dialogues brought together a diverse range of stakeholders from the technology ecosystem, including industry associations, startups, IT professionals, think tanks, and legal experts. Approximately 300 stakeholders participated, with both in-person and virtual attendance. These consultations embody the consultative approach of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in shaping progressive laws and policies.
By engaging in such dialogues, the government aims to ensure that the Digital India Act reflects the aspirations and concerns of all stakeholders, paving the way for a digitally inclusive and secure future.
