Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA)

The crafting of the country’s data governance must enable to ensure a secure, more egalitarian and trustworthy digital future for all.

• India’s G-20 presidency has provided an opportunity for the country to showcase its advancements in the digital arena, particularly with regards to data infrastructures and data governance. 
• As the world becomes increasingly digital, the G-20 has recognised the need for international cooperation and collaboration in addressing the challenges, opportunities and risks posed by the rapid growth of data and digital technologies.
• Significant progress has been made in the use of digital technologies to provide access to bank accounts and in the promotion of digital transactions through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and other options.
• Thus recently India has taken steps like Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) and India Data Management Office (IDMO) to solve the problems.

What is Data sovereignty?

• The term “data sovereignty” refers to the principle that a country has the right to control the collection, storage, and use of data within its borders and also to the informational self-determination of citizens over their data.

 Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA):

• India’s Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) is a consent management tool launched for better data management.
• DEPA has the potential to improve data protection and privacy for citizens by giving them greater control over the use and sharing of their personal information. 
• By allowing individuals to easily manage and control their data consents, DEPA could help to build trust in digital technologies and data governance. 

India Data Management Office (IDMO):

• India’s establishment of an India Data Management Office (IDMO) is a step forward in the country’s journey towards data sharing and data governance. 
• The IDMO is expected to oversee and coordinate the implementation of India’s digital strategies and data governance framework, and to ensure that these efforts are aligned with the country’s values and priorities. 
• It will also work to promote the development and implementation of open-source solutions, which will help to ensure that underlying data architectures are a social public good, and to promote digital technologies to become accessible and affordable for all.

Concerns associated: 

• However, there are also risks associated with DEPA, particularly in terms of security and privacy. 
• If the consent management tool is not properly implemented or managed, there is a risk that personal information could be ‘misused’ or ‘misappropriated’.
• There are concerns that the implementation of DEPA may be inconsistent across different sectors and jurisdictions, which could undermine its effectiveness and create confusion among citizens.
• There are also concerns around the potential misuse of data and information in these sectors. 
• For example, in the health sector, there is a risk that sensitive medical information could be misused or exploited for commercial purposes, while in agriculture; there is a risk that market information could be manipulated for the benefit of certain actors.

Suggestive measures:

• In order to realise the potential benefits of DEPA and minimise the risks, it is important that the tool is implemented in a transparent, consistent, and secure manner. 
• This will require close collaboration between the government, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders and the development of clear and effective regulations and standards.
• The use of digital technologies can enhance access to health-care services, particularly in rural and remote areas, while in agriculture they can empower farmers and enhance their incomes.