Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA)
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) is India’s comprehensive data protection law governing how organizations collect, process, and protect personal data while ensuring individuals’ privacy rights.
What is the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA)?
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) was enacted by the Government of India in 2023 to establish a unified framework for personal data protection. It regulates how organizations—known as Data Fiduciaries—collect, store, and use personal data, while granting individuals (Data Principals) rights to access, correct, and delete their data.
The DPDPA applies to both Indian and foreign entities processing digital personal data within India or offering goods and services to individuals in India. The law emphasizes consent, purpose limitation, and accountability while introducing a new regulatory authority: the Data Protection Board of India.
Why the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) matters
The DPDPA marks a significant milestone in India’s digital governance framework, aligning the country with global privacy standards such as the GDPR. It establishes clear obligations for organizations to manage data responsibly and strengthens individuals’ control over their information.
By setting rules for lawful processing, breach notifications, and cross-border data transfers, the DPDPA enhances trust in India’s digital economy. Compliance also helps organizations mitigate regulatory risks, build consumer confidence, and operate transparently in one of the world’s largest data markets.
The law’s consent-based model ensures data processing is fair, limited to specific purposes, and supported by clear user rights.
How the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) is used in practice
- Obtaining explicit consent before collecting or processing personal data
- Providing clear privacy notices to Data Principals outlining data use
- Appointing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) for significant Data Fiduciaries
- Implementing safeguards for cross-border data transfers
- Notifying the Data Protection Board and affected individuals of data breaches
- Establishing mechanisms for data correction, deletion, and grievance redressal
Related laws & standards
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) – India
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA)
- ISO/IEC 27701 (Privacy Information Management)
How OneTrust helps with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA)
OneTrust helps organizations operationalize compliance with the DPDPA by centralizing consent management, automating data subject rights workflows, and monitoring cross-border data transfers. The platform enables businesses to align with India’s privacy requirements while maintaining global compliance consistency.
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FAQs about the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA)
The DPDPA applies to all organizations processing digital personal data in India, as well as foreign entities offering goods or services to individuals located in India.
Data Principals have the right to access, correct, delete, and withdraw consent for their data. They may also file grievances with the Data Protection Board for non-compliance.
The DPDPA shares many principles with the GDPR, such as consent, transparency, and purpose limitation, but features a simplified framework tailored to India’s digital economy and governance structure.
