Data Protection Bill will create a more accountable ad ecosystem: Experts

After the Lok Sabha passed the landmark Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023, earlier this week, the Rajya Sabha yesterday (August 9, 2023) passed the Bill.

The Bill is aimed at safeguarding the privacy and security of personal data. This legislation aims to establish a robust framework for the responsible collection, usage, and protection of personal data by organisations, ensuring individuals’ rights are upheld in the digital age.

The industry has hailed the new Data Protection Bill and sees it as a game-changer and a protective shield for both businesses and individuals across India.

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Lok Sabha passes landmark Data Protection Bill

Angad Singh Manchanda, CEO and Founder, Chimp&zInc:

“The recent passage of the new Data Protection Bill in the Lok Sabha is a significant milestone that reinforces India’s digital landscape. The comprehensive legislation outlines the ethical guidelines for collecting, using, and sharing personal data, ushering in a new era of transparency and safeguarding individual rights. This achievement is cause for celebration, as it sets the stage for a more trustworthy and secure environment that is essential for businesses to thrive. By bestowing individuals with fundamental privacy rights, including the ability to access, correct, and erase their data, the bill underscores our nation's commitment to safeguarding its citizens.

Moreover, it emphasises the crucial importance of data security by imposing sensible measures to prevent unauthorised access, usage, or disclosure.

However, it is worth noting that the bill currently lacks specific provisions addressing the emerging challenges posed by AI-generated content and deep fakes. As our digital landscape continues to evolve, it will be essential for future iterations of legislation to encompass these intricate issues to ensure comprehensive protection for all aspects of data usage and manipulation. Investing in data fortification is not only a matter of compliance but also a way to elevate India's digital landscape into a haven of integrity and innovation. Together, we can contribute to a thriving digital ecosystem that benefits everyone.”

Sunil Agarwal, Director, Vinod Cookware:

“The passage of the new Digital Data Protection Bill in the Lok Sabha is a landmark step towards protecting the privacy of Indian citizens and ensuring that their data is used responsibly. We believe that this bill will create a more level playing field for businesses and help to promote innovation in the digital economy.

As a responsible brand, Vinod Cookware takes every precaution to ensure that our customers’ data is protected and used only for the purposes for which it was collected. We will continue to comply with all applicable data protection laws and regulations, including the new bill. In my opinion, the new Bill will not only have a positive impact on advertising in India, but will help to create a more transparent and accountable advertising ecosystem, benefiting both businesses and consumers.

Firms will now be able to target their advertising more effectively, and consumers will have more control over their data. The inception of this novel bill heralds a new era where privacy is paramount, innovation thrives, and harmonious synergy between business and consumer interests becomes an undeniable reality.”

Vimesh Dedhia, Co-founder, Acadzo:

“The enactment of the Digital Data Protection Bill represents a substantial stride forward for India in its mission to preserve the privacy of its citizens. Particularly within the sphere of online education, this legislation bears the potential to cultivate an environment characterized by heightened security and dependability. By acting as a catalyst, the Bill’s provisions effectively bolster the dedication of platforms such as ours to safeguarding data and introduce a systematic framework for the augmentation of data protection protocols.

As we peer into the future, a promising vista emerges for online education in India. The Bill's implementation is poised to accelerate industry expansion, thereby broadening its accessibility and inclusivity, especially for students hailing from diverse backgrounds. The convergence of this legislative push and the dynamic realm of online education sets the stage for a more fortified and equitable learning landscape, ensuring that the benefits of digital education are extended to all corners of the nation.”

Meet Jatakia, Director of Marketing and Branding, Cossouq:

“The recent approval of the new Data Protection Bill in the Lok Sabha brings a breath of fresh air for businesses navigating the digital realm. This Bill’s significance lies in its ability to provide the long-awaited clarity and safeguarding of individuals’ data. Is it a ripple effect? A digital landscape that’s not only more secure but also a fertile ground for businesses to flourish. As a marketplace for skin and makeup products, we collect a lot of personal data from our users, such as their names, addresses, and payment information. We are committed to protecting this data and using it responsibly.

The new Data Protection Bill will help us to do this by giving us clear guidelines on how we can collect, use, and share personal data. It will also help to mitigate these risks by giving individuals more control over their personal data and by making it more difficult for data to be used for malicious purposes.

Furthermore, the new Data Protection Bill’s positive impact extends beyond individual privacy, fostering a more conducive environment for e-commerce brands to thrive while ensuring the welfare of both consumers and businesses alike.

Here’s the bottom line: The new Data Protection Bill isn’t just another bill. It’s a game-changer, a protective shield for both businesses like Cossouq and individuals across India.”