In recent news, the Indian Government has been mulling over the idea of directing prominent tech corporations such as Facebook, Google, and Amazon to share anonymised personal data with a state-supported database. This significant shift, proposed in the forthcoming Digital India Bill, 2023 could considerably modify the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) models.
Deciphering Anonymised Data
Anonymised data is essentially any data set devoid of personally identifiable information. It can include aggregated details like comprehensive health statistics of a specific demographic, local weather and climate data, and traffic information. Such data is distinct from personal data which refers to data linked to an identified or identifiable individual like email addresses, biometrics, etc. Anonymised data has diverse applications, including statistical analysis, market research and product development without breaching the privacy of individuals whose data was employed.
The Rationale for Government’s Access to Big Tech’s Data
The government’s plan of action to gain access to this data forms part of the upcoming Digital India Bill. The Bill mandates big tech companies to deposit all non-personal data they possess into a government-supported database called the India datasets platform. According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s working group, the India datasets platform would act as a consolidated national data sharing and exchange platform catering to various stakeholders like governments, private corporations, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), academia, and more. The non-personal data stored by the India datasets platform could be monetized, contributing significantly to economic benefits.
Revisiting the National Data Governance Framework Policy
In May 2022, the government unveiled the draft National Data Governance Framework Policy that merely “encouraged” private firms to share non-personal data with startups and Indian researchers. The government argues that big tech companies have reaped benefits from building algorithms based on Indian’s non-personal data and should not claim exclusive rights over it.
Highlights of the Digital India Bill
The Digital India Bill, 2023, a potential successor of the Information Technology Act of 2000, forms an integral part of a comprehensive legal framework featuring diverse legislative measures. It includes measures like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022, and a policy addressing the regulation of non-personal data. The Bill’s primary objective is to elevate the AI ecosystem in India by providing a robust foundation for data-driven innovation and development. This legislation aims to ensure comprehensive supervision over India’s digital sphere, effectively handling modern challenges such as cybercrime, data protection, deepfakes, competition among internet platforms, online safety, and the negative implications of artificial intelligence (AI).
UPSC Civil Services Examination – Previous Questions
In the UPSC Civil Services Examination, questions related to ‘Right to Privacy’ were asked in 2021 and 2018, and a question about Fundamental Rights considering the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy was asked in 2017. All these questions highlight the importance of understanding the evolving landscape of privacy rights, AI, and data protection in India’s contemporary society.