- By Alex David
- Sat, 15 Nov 2025 04:38 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
India has moved a step closer to boosting digital privacy with the release of Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules 2025. These regulations are the DPDP Act 2023 in action and modify how private entities gather, retain, and utilise personal data. There is now for the first time, a uniform system in place that businesses and government agencies have to comply with which protects citizens’ rights over their data and tasks entities with clear duties. From tougher consent standards and stronger security protections to new rules covering children’s data and overseas transfers, they offer the promise of a more transparent and accountable digital landscape. This is a closer look at what changes, and how it affects both users and businesses.
Who the DPDP Rules Apply To
The framework covers any entity that processes personal data, including:
- Social media platforms
- Digital service providers
- Online marketplaces and gateways
- Government departments
- Private organisations that collect or analyse user data
In short, if a company handles your personal information, it must follow the new rules.
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How Organisations Must Handle Personal Data
The DPDP Rules 2025 set strict expectations for how data is collected, processed, and stored.
Stronger Security Safeguards
Organisations must implement high-grade protection techniques such as:
- Encryption
- Masking and obfuscation
- Tokenisation
- Strict access-control systems
They also have to continuously monitor their systems, keep logs for at least a year and establish secure backup capabilities.
Mandatory Obligations for Data Processors
All partners and contractors handling data must operate under contracts that include clear security requirements. This extends accountability beyond just the main organisation.
Mandatory Breach Disclosures
If a data breach occurs, companies must:
- Inform users immediately
- Describe what happened, possible risks and steps taken
- Provide a helpline or contact channel
- Report the breach to the Data Protection Board within 72 hours
Rules for Handling Children’s Data
The regulations introduce strict controls for the personal data of anyone under 18.
Verifiable Parental Consent Is Mandatory
No organisation can collect or process a child’s data without:
- Confirming the identity and age of the parent or guardian
- Using verified virtual tokens or Digital Locker-based checks
Without these safeguards, processing a child’s data is strictly prohibited.
Transferring Data Outside India
India will allow cross-border data transfers, but only under approved conditions.
Government-Guided Permissions
Data can be sent to another country or foreign entity only when:
- The government allows it under a general or special order
- Adequate oversight and safeguards are in place
This ensures sensitive information isn’t moved to jurisdictions with weak privacy standards.
Implementation Timeline
Although the rules are now official, their rollout will be phased over 12 to 18 months.
During this period, organisations must:
- Issue clearer notices explaining what data they collect
- Strengthen security and monitoring systems
- Build processes to help users access, correct or delete their data
- Improve breach-response mechanisms
As per data volume and risk analysis, entities designated Significant Data Fiduciaries will face additional controls and compliance checks.
Final Thoughts
The DPDP Rules 2025 herald a new era for the Digital India. Users gain more rights and are given more transparency, but organisations also have larger responsibilities. A phased rollout buys companies time to adjust, but the way is clear: India is shifting toward a privacy-first regime in which data handling must be more secure, more accountable and more respectful of user consent. As these regulations come into force, both businesses and citizens are going to experience the effects of a more regimented digital privacy.