Data Experts Advocate for Relevant Data Extraction and Transparency

Data experts emphasize relevant data extraction and transparency at The Hindu Tech Summit 2026.

At The Hindu Tech Summit 2026, data and AI experts advocated for building awareness and extracting only relevant data with informed consent. A.N. Srinivasan emphasized the need for transparency regarding the purpose of data collection.

Shivashanmugam Muthu discussed the Digi Yatra application's consent-based approach and data encryption. M. Sivasubramanian highlighted the difficulty of ensuring privacy in a data-driven world.

B. Jegadeeswaran suggested creating awareness among senior citizens to build trust in data sharing.

Key Facts

Data and AI experts advocate for building awareness about data privacy.

Extracting only relevant data with informed consent is crucial.

Transparency regarding the purpose of data collection is essential.

The Digi Yatra application works on the basis of consent and encrypts data.

Creating awareness among senior citizens about data privacy is important.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International relations

Connects to syllabus topics like fundamental rights, data protection laws, and digital governance

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on data privacy

In Simple Words

Basically, experts are saying companies should only take the data they actually need from you. And they have to tell you why they're collecting it. It's all about being open and honest about how your information is used.

India Angle

Think about all the apps and websites that ask for your data in India. This is about making sure they're not taking more than they need and that you know what they're doing with it. It affects everyone from shopkeepers using digital payment apps to students using online learning platforms.

For Instance

Imagine a local grocery store asking for your PAN card to give you a loyalty discount. That's excessive data collection. Instead, they should only ask for your phone number to send you updates.

It matters because your personal information is valuable. You should have control over who has it and how it's being used.

Your data, your rules: Know what you share and why.

Visual Insights

Key Takeaways from The Hindu Tech Summit 2026

Highlights from the summit focusing on data privacy, transparency, and informed consent.

Focus Area: Relevant Data Extraction
Key Principle: Transparency

More Information

Background

The concept of data privacy has evolved significantly over time. Initially, privacy concerns were limited to physical intrusion, but with the advent of the digital age, the focus shifted to data protection. Early regulations were primarily sectoral, addressing specific industries like healthcare or finance. The need for a comprehensive legal framework became apparent as data collection and processing became more pervasive. Key milestones in the evolution of data privacy include the development of international standards like the OECD Privacy Guidelines in 1980 and the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in 2018. These frameworks set principles for fair information practices, including notice, consent, and data security. The Indian context has seen a gradual shift from self-regulation to legislative action, with the ongoing debate around the Personal Data Protection Bill. The legal and constitutional framework for data privacy in India is still evolving. While the Constitution of India does not explicitly guarantee a right to privacy, the Supreme Court has recognized it as an intrinsic part of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). The proposed Digital Personal Data Protection Act aims to provide a comprehensive legal framework for data protection, addressing issues such as data localization, consent, and enforcement. The Information Technology Act, 2000, also contains some provisions related to data security and privacy.

Latest Developments

Recent government initiatives emphasize data empowerment and responsible AI. The launch of the IndiaAI mission aims to foster innovation in artificial intelligence while ensuring ethical considerations and data privacy. The government is also promoting the use of federated data governance frameworks to enable data sharing while protecting individual privacy. Ongoing debates revolve around the balance between data innovation and individual rights. Stakeholders, including civil society organizations and industry associations, are actively engaged in discussions about the scope and implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. The role of the Data Protection Board of India in enforcing data protection laws and addressing grievances is also a key area of discussion. The future outlook involves greater emphasis on data literacy and awareness among citizens. The government aims to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their data and exercise their rights under the data protection law. The development of privacy-enhancing technologies and the promotion of responsible data practices are also expected to gain momentum.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding data privacy and consent in the digital age: 1. A.N. Srinivasan emphasized the need for transparency regarding the purpose of data collection at The Hindu Tech Summit 2026. 2. Shivashanmugam Muthu discussed the Digi Yatra application's consent-based approach and data encryption. 3. M. Sivasubramanian stated that ensuring privacy in a data-driven world is easily achievable with current technologies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: A.N. Srinivasan did emphasize the need for transparency regarding the purpose of data collection at The Hindu Tech Summit 2026, as mentioned in the summary. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Shivashanmugam Muthu discussed the Digi Yatra application's consent-based approach and data encryption. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: M. Sivasubramanian actually highlighted the difficulty of ensuring privacy in a data-driven world, not that it is easily achievable.

2. Which of the following is NOT a key principle of the OECD Privacy Guidelines?

A.Collection Limitation
B.Data Quality
C.Purpose Specification
D.Data Localization

Show Answer

Answer: D

The OECD Privacy Guidelines include principles such as Collection Limitation, Data Quality, and Purpose Specification. Data Localization, which mandates that data be stored within a country's borders, is a separate concept and not a core principle of the OECD guidelines. The OECD guidelines focus on fair information practices and international cooperation in data protection.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the Right to Privacy in India: 1. The Constitution of India explicitly guarantees the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right. 2. The Supreme Court has recognized the Right to Privacy as an intrinsic part of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). 3. The Information Technology Act, 2000, provides a comprehensive legal framework for data protection in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The Constitution of India does not explicitly guarantee the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right, but the Supreme Court has interpreted it as part of Article 21. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Supreme Court has recognized the Right to Privacy as an intrinsic part of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Information Technology Act, 2000, contains some provisions related to data security and privacy, but it does not provide a comprehensive legal framework for data protection. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act is intended to provide that.