Context: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) suggested enactment of a Digital India Act 2023 to replace Information Technology Act 2000.
Reason For Introduction of Proposed Digital India Act, 2023 (DIA)
Information Technology (IT) Act 2000 is a 22-year-old law crafted during a time of internet infancy that has struggled to keep pace with the rapid changes in technology and user behaviour.
| Internet in 2000 | Internet Now |
| 55 Lakhs Indians on Internet | 85 Crores Indians on Internet making it world’s largest digitally connected democracy |
| One type of intermediary | Multiple types of intermediaries -eCommerce, digital media, social media, AI, OTT, Gaming etc. |
| Space for good, allowing citizens to interact | Space for criminalities and illegalities |
| Traditional forms of User Harms: Cybercrime, Cyber-security, Hacking, etc. | New Complex forms of User Harms: Catfishing, Doxing, Cyber stalking, Cyber trolling, Gaslighting, Phishing, etc. |
| Source of Information and News | Proliferation of Hate Speech, Disinformation and Fake news |
Limitation of IT Act 2000
- Lack of comprehensive provisions on user rights, trust & safety.
- Limited recognition of harm and new forms of cybercrimes, without any institutional mechanism for awareness creation.
- Lack of distinct regulatory approaches for harmful and illegal content.
- Lack of adequate principles for data or privacy protection.
- Lack of coordinated cyber security incident response mechanisms.
Objective of Proposed Digital India Act, 2023
- To replace the two-decade-old Information Technology Act of 2000 (IT Act) and bring India’s regulatory landscape in sync with the digital revolution of the 21st century.
- To address the challenges and opportunities presented by the dramatic growth of the internet and emerging technologies.
- To provide a comprehensive legal framework to address the challenges like user harm, fake news, unfair trade practices etc.
Key Component of Proposed Digital India Act, 2023
Key Provisions of Proposed Digital India Act, 2023
- Classification of Intermediaries: DIA categorise them into various groups based on their risk and size. E.g., E-commerce, AI, OTT platform etc.
- Risk Assessment for Intermediaries: DIA mandates intermediaries to perform risk assessments, which are then utilized to classify them based on their respective levels of risk.
- Dedicated Internet Regulatory Authority: DIA provides for the establishment of a dedicated internet regulator like Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) or the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
- Designating Punishable Offences: Under DIA, MeitY is empowered to designate certain activities as punishable offences. Which enables MeitY to prevent and penalize individuals or entities involved in these harmful activities.
- Penalties for Violations and Emerging Technologies: Provide for any potential misuse, breaches of regulations, or negative consequences that may occur in the context of technologies like AI platforms.
- Modifications to Existing Internet Platform Rules: To adapt the existing rules to the evolving digital landscape and address emerging challenges it provides for revision of safe harbour norms.
- Ensuring Platform Accountability: DIA empower the government to ensure that platforms are held accountable for hosting prohibited content
Benefits of Proposed Digital India Act 2023
- Addressing Current Challenges: The DIA seeks to address contemporary challenges by providing a more comprehensive and up-to-date legal framework.
- Proactive Regulation: It regulates online content, establishes mechanisms for content takedown, and contemplates reviewing the “safe harbor” principle reflecting a more proactive stance towards regulating online platforms compared to the IT Act.
- Balancing Act: By safeguarding fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and privacy and regulating the digital ecosystem effectively.
- Protection of Minors: The DIA’s provisions for age-gating, regulation of addictive technologies, and mandatory “do not track” requirements for advertising targeting children will create a safer digital environment for the young generation.
- Digital Innovation: By providing a conducive environment for emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and virtual reality, the DIA can support the development of cutting-edge solutions and boost the digital economy.
- E-commerce Growth: Regulation of dominant platforms and ensuring non-discriminatory access to digital services can promote a healthy e-commerce ecosystem.
- Cybersecurity: DIA’s emphasis on enhancing cybersecurity measures is crucial to protect individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure from cyberattacks and data breaches.
- Data Protection: DIA provides for establishing clear guidelines for data protection and privacy that can enhance user trust and confidence in digital services.
- Responsive Digital Ecosystem: Establishing dedicated inquiry agencies and dispute resolution frameworks, it emphasise the importance of an accountable and responsive digital ecosystem.
- Global Alignment: The DIA seeks to align India’s digital regulations with international standards this alignment can facilitate international cooperation, cross-border data flows, and cybersecurity efforts, reflecting a global perspective absent in the IT Act.
Challenges Associated with Proposed Digital India Act 2023
- Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Stricter regulations have the potential to stifle innovation and deter foreign investments.
- Safe Harbor Review: The review of the “safe harbor” principle is significant, as it can impact online platforms’ liability for user-generated content.
- Enforcement Challenges: Effective enforcement of digital regulations is a complex task, which requires substantial resources, expertise, and infrastructure that depend on the government’s ability to enforce its provisions effectively.
- Balancing Stakeholders’ Interest: Balancing the interests of various stakeholders, including tech giants, while ensuring the protection of citizen rights, poses a significant challenge.
Way Forward
- Promotion of Digital Awareness: Digital literacy and awareness are essential for ensuring that all segments of society can participate in the digital age. Measures to promote digital literacy will empower individuals to make informed choices and use digital technologies effectively.
- Balancing Act: Striking the right balance between free expression of individual and accountability of intermediaries is a delicate task and should involve careful consideration of its implications through debate, discussion and deliberation.
- Effective Implementation: The implementation and potential repercussions of DIA 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 representing 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.
