Need to acknowledge sovereignty of data: Prasad

The minister’s remarks come in the backdrop of the Centre banning 59 apps with Chinese links, citing “emergent nature of threats” and saying that they were engaged in activities “prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity”, defence, security and public order.

A press statement said that Prasad “mentioned that India is soon going to put in place a robust personal data protection law which will not only address the data privacy related concerns of citizens but also ensure availability of data for innovation and economic development. In view of these concerns, the digital platforms having presence in many countries must become trustworthy, safe and secure.”

Data protection laws and calls to restrict flow of data between national borders has been an unresolved debate among global leaders. In 2019, G20 leaders had drawn up the “Osaka track” that promoted cross-border flow of data. India did not sign the declaration, while Australia, China, Japan and the UK were among 24 countries that did.

A ministerial declaration from Wednesday’s meeting hosted by Saudi Arabia stated: “The cross-border flow of data, information, ideas and knowledge generates higher productivity, greater innovation, and improved sustainable development. At the same time, we recognise that the free flow of data raises certain challenges, such as the protection of privacy and personal data. G20 members recognise the need to address these challenges, in accordance with relevant applicable legal frameworks, which can further facilitate data free flow and strengthen consumer and business trust, without prejudice to legitimate public policy objectives.”

The declaration included a G20 Roadmap towards “Common Framework for Measuring the Digital Economy” in order to define and measure the digital economy. The indicators are related to infrastructure, technology adoption and innovations, empowering society, and jobs, skills and growth. The declaration also called for a “human-centered approach to AI”.

Prasad also emphasised the need for a resilient global supply chain and making India an attractive destination for investment in those chains.