Government Plans Early Implementation
The Centre plans to notify and start implementing the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules (DPDP Rules) before the next session of Parliament. Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw shared this update in an interview with Moneycontrol. The rules are almost ready and will bring into effect the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
“I must thank the industry, they came up with so much openness, positivity, constructive ideas. And that’s practically done now. We should be able to publish it well before the next session of Parliament,” Vaishnaw said.
The Winter Session of Parliament usually takes place in November and December.
Long Wait for India’s First Data Privacy Law
The DPDP Act was passed in Parliament in August 2023, but it has not yet come into force because many sections require supporting rules. The law is India’s first framework to safeguard citizens against personal data breaches.
Vaishnaw explained that the ministry held several rounds of consultations with almost every stakeholder before finalising the rules. At one stage, the press also expressed concern that the law could be used to penalise journalists for investigative reporting.
“That was more of an understanding issue. We had almost three months’ consultation with them and clarified it. They have also given a set of questions for which they wanted an FAQ. We are working on that and practically it’s done,” he added.
Preparing Industry and Public Bodies
The government has asked both industry players and public organisations to begin preparing their systems for compliance with the DPDP Act. Officials advised them not to wait until the rules are formally notified. This was also reported by Moneycontrol in October 2024.
Update on Real Money Gaming Ban
Vaishnaw also commented on the recent ban on real money online gaming. He said the government has asked companies to ensure an “orderly transition” as the matter moves through the courts.
Around 50 stakeholders, including gaming companies and industry associations, attended a meeting with the ministry to share their concerns and suggestions.
On August 22, Parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. This law bans all forms of online real money games while promoting e sports and other safe online gaming activities.
The minister explained that the government had earlier tried to create a self regulatory system, but rising cases of harm to society forced stronger action. He noted that addiction driven by algorithms was worsening the problem, leading to suicides, financial losses, and children becoming addicted to such games.
Focus on Responsible Growth of Gaming
Vaishnaw said the government supports the gaming industry but wants it to grow in a safe and socially responsible way.
“Yes, we need economic activity but it should be aligned with what society needs. Government is not against the industry. We want e-sports to develop and we want India to become a champion in playing and developing e-sports. But we also want to protect society, especially the middle classes, from these harms,” he said.
Also Read: FIFA Flags Risks in NSE’s Mutual Fund Platform: Data Security & Operational Concerns
