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Polity & Governance
Mahesh

09/10/23 09:18 AM IST

Digital India Act

In News
  • The recent announcement of the Digital India Act 2023 (DIA) represents a significant step towards establishing a future-ready legal framework for the country’s burgeoning digital ecosystem.
Features of DIA 2023
  • The DIA, poised to replace the two-decade-old Information Technology Act of 2000 (IT Act), is designed to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the dramatic growth of the internet and emerging technologies.
  • The proposed DIA encompasses a spectrum of significant provisions aimed at addressing the ever-evolving digital landscape.
  • Firstly, it places a strong emphasis on online safety and trust, with a commitment to safeguarding citizen’s rights in the digital realm while remaining adaptable to shifting market dynamics and international legal principles.
  • Secondly, recognising the growing importance of new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, the DIA provides guidelines for their responsible utilisation.
  • The DIA does not just leave it to the market to dictate the course of these technologies but actively engages in shaping their development and use within a regulatory framework.
  • And by doing so, the DIA strikes a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding against potential harms.
  • It promotes ethical AI practices, data privacy in blockchain applications, and mechanisms for accountability in the use of these technologies.
  • Thirdly, it upholds the concept of an open internet, striking a balance between accessibility and necessary regulations to maintain order and protect users.
  • Additionally, the DIA mandates stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements for wearable devices, accompanied by criminal law sanctions
  • Lastly, it contemplates a review of the “safe harbour” principle, which presently shields online platforms from liability related to user-generated content, indicating a potential shift in online accountability standards.
  • These provisions underscore the proposed DIA’s commitment in addressing the complexities of the digital age.
Challenges
  • One key concern is the potential impact on innovation and the ease of doing business.
  • Stricter regulations, particularly in emerging technologies, could inadvertently stifle entrepreneurial initiatives and deter foreign investments.
  • Balancing the interests of various stakeholders, including tech giants, while ensuring the protection of citizen rights, poses a significant challenge.
  • Therefore, while the DIA is a progressive move, its implementation and potential repercussions warrant vigilant monitoring and adaptability to avoid unintended consequences.
  • The DIA is a crucial step towards ensuring a secure, accountable, and innovative digital future for India.
  • It represents a forward-looking approach to regulation in an age of constant change and has the potential to shape the country’s digital landscape for generations to come.
Source- The Hindu

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