SC bats for data regime

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the government to set up a robust regime for ensuring data protection in view of dangers to privacy in a digital era.

The court said threats to privacy can originate not only from the state but even from “non-state actors” as individuals are constantly generating valuable data which can be used by private parties to “track their moves, choices and preferences.”

“We commend to the Union government the need to examine and put into place a robust regime for data protection. The creation of such a regime requires a careful and sensitive balance between individual interests and legitimate concerns of the state,” the court said.

“The legitimate aims of the state would include for instance protecting national security, preventing and investigating crime, encouraging innovation and the spread of knowledge, and preventing the dissipation of social welfare benefits,” Justice D Y Chandrachud said.

DH News Service