Finally got a chance today to introduce a bill first submitted a year ago (hence the 2017 date) but delayed by frequent disruptions of the Lok Sabha that wiped out successive Friday afternoon sessions. It anticipates (&improves on) the Govt’s recent Data Privacy Bill. 
2/6 My Data Privacy and Protection Bill, 2017 which I introduced in the Lok Sabha, seeks to establish a robust regime to protect the right to privacy of all individuals, which is essential for a democracy. Individuals should have ownership over their personal data
3/6 Data can only be obtained by other parties through a revocable consent framework with specifically enumerated exceptions. The Bill creates a Privacy Commission to protect the right to privacy and to oversee surveillance measures by the State.
4/6 The Bill also recognizes that data is important for industry. Limitations on use of data are to protect the rights of individuals and not to fulfill any regulatory agenda. However, the fundamental right to privacy has a greater priority than commercial requirements.
5/6 The Government should undertake a rigorous consultative process on its Draft Bill and consider the beneficial aspects of my Bill before finalizing a strong data protection Bill for Parliament. I had submitted this Bill for introduction even before the SC’s privacy judgment
6/6 Unfortunately, disruptions delayed its introduction. I am grateful to the young lawyers, technology & privacy experts, especially those from the SaveOurPrivacy campaign, for their valuable inputs on this extremely important subject. India needs a strong Data Privacy law.
