In a significant move for privacy in the digital age, India is set to officially roll out its long-awaited rules under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act. For Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and privacy professionals, this marks a critical turning point in how organisations will need to collect, process, and protect personal data across India’s fast-growing digital ecosystem. 

The DPDP Act was passed in 2023 to safeguard individuals’ rights over their digital personal data— from name, contact, and data usage information, to how apps, platforms, and service providers process their online behaviour. The draft rules are expected to translate these principles into actionable requirements.  

For privacy teams, this is about more than just compliance. It’s a chance to build trust with customers. Transparent practices, strong consent frameworks and clear communication can enhance reputation and give companies a competitive edge. At the same time, penalties for violations are significant, making early readiness critical.  

Key operational areas that DPOs should prepare for include: 

  • Consent management: clear processes for obtaining, withdrawing and recording consent  

  • Children’s data: stricter verification and protection requirements when processing minors’ information 

  • Data protection boards: rules on the functioning of the new regulatory authority that will oversee compliance 

  • Cross-border transfers: reviewing data flows and vendor arrangements to identify potential transfer risks 

  • Grievance redressal: timelines and mechanisms organisations must follow when individuals raise complaints 

  • Data rights for individuals: strengthening processes for access, correction, and erasure requests to ensure consistency 

Compared to global privacy regimes like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), India’s DPDP rules will bring in unique considerations tailored to its digital economy. With over 800 million internet users, the stakes are high. The draft rules will provide the clarity companies need to adapt policies, redesign processes and invest in data governance. 
 
For DPOs, this is a pivotal moment to: 

  • Review data flows 

  • Engage with senior management to prepare staff through awareness programmes 

  • Demonstrate responsible data handling to maintain trust with customers, regulators, and partners 

For users, the DPDP rules mean more control and trust. For businesses, having clear rules should make it easier to manage compliance, reduce risks, avoid penalties and build credibility. In a world where robust data protection is fast becoming a competitive advantage, having a proactive DPO can not only ensure you comply with evolving regulations but also help you stay ahead of your competition. 

Are you ready for the new DPDP rules? For support in preparing your business, contact HewardMills today.