Centre considers access to anonymised data of big tech firms

Centre considers access to anonymised data of big tech firms

Subject : Science and Tech

Section : Awareness in IT

Context: Centre is considering issuing a directive to big tech companies to share anonymised personal data in their possession with a government-backed database.

More about the news:

• The Indian government is reportedly considering a directive requiring major tech companies like Facebook, Google, and Amazon to share anonymized personal data with a government-backed database.
• The move is part of the upcoming Digital India Bill that aims to address the ownership of non-personal data, a key component for artificial intelligence (AI) models.
• The provision in the bill would mandate tech companies to deposit all non-personal data they hold into the India datasets platform.
• The government argues that these companies, having benefited from algorithms based on Indians’ non-personal data, cannot claim exclusive ownership. 
• The India datasets platform could also play a role in boosting the country’s AI ecosystem. 
• The Digital India Bill is part of a broader legal framework that includes measures like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and a policy on non-personal data governance..

What are the key Provisions of the Digital India Bill:

• The Bill is a key part of a comprehensive legal framework which encompasses various legislative measures such as
  • The recently-notified Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023
  • The draft Indian Telecommunication Bill 2022, and
  • A policy addressing the governance of non-personal data.
• The Bill prioritizes online safety and trust, aiming to protect citizens’ digital rights while remaining adaptable to market changes and international legal principles.
• Recognizing the significance of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, the Bill provides guidelines for their responsible use.
• It upholds the idea of an open internet,balancing accessibility with necessary regulations to maintain order and protect users.
• The Bill introduces stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements for wearable devices, backed by criminal law sanctions.
• Contemplating a review of the “safe harbour” principle, the Bill suggests a potential shift in online accountability standards, presently shielding online platforms from liability related to user-generated content.