News for 'Digital Personal Data Protection'

Passenger sues Air India for personal data breach: What happens now?

Passenger sues Air India for personal data breach: What happens now?

Rediff.com14 Jul 2021

Recently, an Air India flyer sent a legal notice to the airline seeking damages of Rs 30 lakh for the breach of personal data of 4.5 million passengers, including her husband and herself. Air India had informed the complainant of the data leak a month earlier, after it emerged that its passenger service system provider fell prey to a cyberattack in February. However, in the absence of a data protection law, India lacks a mechanism for compensation or grievance redress of consumers in such cases, say experts. Advocate Virag Gupta, a New Delhi-based cyber law expert, explains that a legal notice is a good beginning in the Air India case, but it raises many questions. These include whether sensitive personal information has been leaked and whether the airline is responsible or not, given that a passenger service system provider was also involved.

Microsoft to invest $17.5 billion for India's AI-first future: Nadella

Microsoft to invest $17.5 billion for India's AI-first future: Nadella

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday announced plans to invest $17.5 billion in India to help build infrastructure and sovereign capabilities for the country's AI-first future, marking the third major AI-driven investment in the country in the past two months. Microsoft said that the $17.5 billion (around Rs 1.58 lakh crore) investment builds on the $3 billion (around Rs 26,955 crore) funding announced earlier this year, which the company is on track to spend by the end of CY (calendar year) 2026.

Cabinet nod for first digital caste census in 2027

Cabinet nod for first digital caste census in 2027

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

The Union Cabinet on Friday approved Rs 11,718 crore for conducting the Census of India, 2027, which would include the caste enumeration for the first time.

WhatsApp can't play with citizens' privacy rights: SC

WhatsApp can't play with citizens' privacy rights: SC

Rediff.com3 Feb 2026

The court is hearing appeals against a CCI order imposing a penalty on Meta and WhatsApp.

WhatsApp Is Changing. Are You Safe?

WhatsApp Is Changing. Are You Safe?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

WhatsApp is finally letting you hide your phone number behind a custom username. While it's a massive win for privacy, cybersecurity experts warn it could unleash a wave of identity scams. Here is what you need to know.

Data Bill: Too much govt control will hit investments

Data Bill: Too much govt control will hit investments

Rediff.com27 Dec 2022

Significant controls and exemptions to the government under the proposed Digital Personal Data Protection bill 2022 are likely to make it harder for companies to invest in data centres and data processing activities in India, according to global technology industry body ITI. The ministry of electronics and IT has floated draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill 2022 and has invited comments on the same till January 2. "The Bill grants significant controls to the executive arm of GOI (Government of India) and delegates much of the detailed rulemaking authority to separate, as yet undefined processes.

EPF Scheme 2026: What's Changed for You?

EPF Scheme 2026: What's Changed for You?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

For members, the message is simple: don't be misled by headlines about '100% withdrawal'. The basic purpose of the EPF remains unchanged -- to help employees build a financial cushion for retirement while allowing limited access to savings for genuine needs during their working lives.

Meta Flags DPDP Compliance Timeline Concerns

Meta Flags DPDP Compliance Timeline Concerns

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

'We do have some concerns with the timeline being shortened from 18 to 12 months.'

WhatsApp User Data Belongs To Us: Meta Tells NCLAT

WhatsApp User Data Belongs To Us: Meta Tells NCLAT

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

'By leveraging user data from WhatsApp, Meta can enhance its technology.' 'It (user data) is collected by me, it's my personal property. Shall I give it to my competitors?'

Unified Command To Tackle AI Threats

Unified Command To Tackle AI Threats

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

'The government has to act as one unit since the threat from these newer models will soon scale up.'

Sarvam AI To Launch India's First LLM In Feb

Sarvam AI To Launch India's First LLM In Feb

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Sarvam's LLM will have more than 17 trillion tokens with 17 to 20 per cent coming from Indian data

Whom do consumers trust with personal data?

Whom do consumers trust with personal data?

Rediff.com26 Jun 2013

Consumers worldwide overwhelmingly are ready to share their personal information to get better services from their doctors, bank and retailers, but they are cautious about how they share.

WhatsApp to NCLAT: CCI exceeded powers, ruled onprivacy

WhatsApp to NCLAT: CCI exceeded powers, ruled onprivacy

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

"All they have done in their entire report is privacy regulation," counsel appearing for WhatsApp told the appellate tribunal.

Penalty of up to Rs 500 cr for data breach: Govt

Penalty of up to Rs 500 cr for data breach: Govt

Rediff.com18 Nov 2022

The government has raised the penalty amount to up to Rs 500 crore for violating the provisions proposed under the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022 issued on Friday. The draft personal data protection bill in 2019 proposed a penalty of Rs 15 crore or 4 per cent of the global turnover of an entity. The draft proposes to set up a Data Protection Board of India, which will carry on functions as per the provisions of the bill.

IT Firms Brace For DPDP With Minimal Disruption

IT Firms Brace For DPDP With Minimal Disruption

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

'The impact will be minimal and it will only increase compliance cost on consent, data flows, localisation timelines, internal audits, data mapping, and new tooling.'

PM pressured to hand over people's data as part of US deal, alleges Rahul

PM pressured to hand over people's data as part of US deal, alleges Rahul

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

Rahul Gandhi claims the Indo-US trade deal will compromise the data security of 1.5 billion Indians, alleging Prime Minister Modi is surrendering India's data resources to the US. He warns of potential job losses in the IT sector due to AI and the importance of controlling India's data pool.

Your personal data is once gain up for grabs!

Your personal data is once gain up for grabs!

Rediff.com12 Jul 2018

Indian firms caught napping as private details of individuals were leaked

'AI Is Being Misused At An Alarming Pace': Soha Ali Khan

'AI Is Being Misused At An Alarming Pace': Soha Ali Khan

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

"It's easier, easier than ever now to impersonate someone, to create deep fakes, to manipulate images, to misuse personal data. And most women, unfortunately, we don't know how to fight back," says Soha Ali Khan.

Assess Mythos Threat By June 30: RBI To Banks

Assess Mythos Threat By June 30: RBI To Banks

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

'...A new challenge has emerged in the form of Mythos.'

Govt proposes new data privacy law, raises penalty to Rs 500 cr for violations

Govt proposes new data privacy law, raises penalty to Rs 500 cr for violations

Rediff.com18 Nov 2022

The government will "notify such countries or territories outside India to which a data fiduciary may transfer personal data", according to the draft unveiled on Friday for public feedback.

RBI's New Rules: BIG Changes From April 1 for OTP, Cards, Online Payments

RBI's New Rules: BIG Changes From April 1 for OTP, Cards, Online Payments

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

From April 1, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India's new authentication directions modernise how every digital payment you make must be verified -- and place the burden of security squarely on your bank, not on you.

Data bill: 'Right to privacy will prevail over RTI'

Data bill: 'Right to privacy will prevail over RTI'

Rediff.com23 Dec 2022

During an open house discussion with stakeholders on the draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) bill 2022, Chandrasekhar said that the right to privacy is a fundamental right while the right to information is not. "Right to privacy is a fundamental right and right to information is not.

Draft Digital Bill to be available for public by Dec-end

Draft Digital Bill to be available for public by Dec-end

Rediff.com8 Dec 2022

After the draft data protection bill, the government is now all set to bring another key legislation -- Digital India Bill -- that will be made available for public consultation by the month-end, Minister of State for IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar said on Thursday. The Digital India Bill, which will replace the 22-year old Information Technology (IT) Act, will be contemporary and a modern piece of legislation, the Minister promised. The proposed bill, alongside the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill whose draft was released recently, will contribute to the evolving framework which is light on regulation, safeguards consumer rights and catalyses innovation, the minister said while speaking at CII Global Economic Policy Summit 2022.

AI 171 Crash: 'Americans Would Prefer It To Be Pilot Error'

AI 171 Crash: 'Americans Would Prefer It To Be Pilot Error'

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

'...because that protects their aviation industry.' 'The Boeing 787 is one of the most widely-flown wide-body aircraft in the world, and Airbus is running neck-and-neck with Boeing.' 'Airbus is not going to let an opportunity like this pass.' 'If a software problem with the 787 is confirmed, they will use it to increase their own orders.'

Twisha Sharma's Family Seeks Justice, End To 'Character Trial'

Twisha Sharma's Family Seeks Justice, End To 'Character Trial'

Rediff.com19 May 2026

The family of Twisha Sharma, who was found dead in her marital home in Bhopal, has issued a public appeal for a transparent investigation into her death and an end to what they call a 'posthumous character trial'. They allege attempts to divert attention from the investigation by targeting her reputation.

Why you MUST NOT share real personal data while downloading free apps

Why you MUST NOT share real personal data while downloading free apps

Rediff.com28 Sep 2016

You should rather use nicknames, incorrect date of birth and if possible make a separate e-mail address for such apps and services. You should also not share your phone number

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The family of Twisha Sharma, who died last week, alleges dowry harassment and seeks a CBI probe into her death. A court rejected a plea for a second autopsy, prompting the family to express concerns about the preservation of forensic evidence. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has assured the family that the state government will seek a CBI investigation.

The Dangers Of Sanchar Snoop

The Dangers Of Sanchar Snoop

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Once the OS layer is opened to the State, it doesn't close, notes Lieutenant General Prakash Katoch (retd).

How India Can Lead In AI-Native Governance, According To ServiceNow

How India Can Lead In AI-Native Governance, According To ServiceNow

Rediff.com7 May 2026

ServiceNow Vice Chairman Nick Tzitzon highlights India's potential to develop an AI-native government model, emphasising enhanced public services, data privacy, and economic growth.

Haryana Police Unveils 'Abhedya' App to Tackle Cyber Threats

Haryana Police Unveils 'Abhedya' App to Tackle Cyber Threats

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

The Haryana Police have launched 'Abhedya', a mobile application designed to curb cybercrime, extortion, and threatening calls. This initiative makes Haryana the first state in India to introduce such a measure, aiming to protect citizens from various forms of digital harassment.

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Madhya Pradesh Seeks CBI Probe Into Dowry Death Case

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh government has ordered a CBI probe into the death of Twisha Sharma, a woman who was allegedly harassed for dowry. Her family had requested a second autopsy, which was initially rejected by a court.

'Loneliness Is An Epidemic'

'Loneliness Is An Epidemic'

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Loneliness can engulf people at different stages in their lives. Weighing in on their lonely state of mind are three people -- a soul-searching Gen Z stage actress, Malikka Advani; a beleaguered big-tech employee in his 40s, Vinod Patel; and a confidence-exuding business writer, Maya Lalchandani -- who reveal the different methods they employ to tackle this emotion.

'Government Is The Source Of Our Data Leakages'

'Government Is The Source Of Our Data Leakages'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

'Instead of the government and telecom operators solving the mess of their own creation, they're telling us we need to give access to our phones perpetually.'

Apple Devices Face High-Severity Threat: Cert-In

Apple Devices Face High-Severity Threat: Cert-In

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

CThese vulnerabilities, Cert-In said, could leave Apple users at risk of unauthorised access to sensitive data on their devices, cause service disruptions, and compromise the entire device.

Twisha Sharma death: Court rejects 2nd autopsy plea, MP govt seeks CBI probe

Twisha Sharma death: Court rejects 2nd autopsy plea, MP govt seeks CBI probe

Rediff.com20 May 2026

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has announced that the state government will seek a CBI probe into the death of Twisha Sharma, a former model and actor, who was found hanging at her matrimonial residence. Her family alleges dowry harassment and fears crucial forensic evidence may be lost due to delays in securing a second autopsy and proper body preservation.

Digital Act Unlikely In Winter Session

Digital Act Unlikely In Winter Session

Rediff.com13 Nov 2023

'Unless the government comes up with the rulebook, the technical requirements will not be clear to us.' 'Going by the Act, non-technical provisions can be complied with within six months.' 'But we need up to 24 months for provisions like parental consent.'

Why IT Firms Face 5-10% Payroll Hike

Why IT Firms Face 5-10% Payroll Hike

Rediff.com24 Nov 2025

'Companies will need to revisit compensation structures, contracts, staffing models, and human resources system.'

How Juice Jacking Can Steal Your Phone's Data

How Juice Jacking Can Steal Your Phone's Data

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Exercise caution when charging your phone in public places or borrowing a charger from someone -- you might get hacked.

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Vijay Must Demonstrate His Government Doesn't Engage In Theft

Rediff.com27 May 2026

If TVK MLAs and ministers are perceived as clean, or demonstrably cleaner than their predecessors, the credibility dividend will be enormous. The voter will feel rewarded, points out Ramesh Menon.

Digipin: Mapping Addresses Digitally

Digipin: Mapping Addresses Digitally

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

Digipin promises to revolutionise location-based services in India with safeguards.