Tech It Up A Notch

As Narendra Modi begins his third term as Prime Minister, India's tech landscape is on the cusp of transformation. From tightening data protection laws and boosting AI leadership-what's on the tech agenda?

- DANNY CYRIL DCRUZE

IT'S A TECH-DRIVEN world and India is on the fast lane to lead in tech knowledge and skills. Under the new government, much of the focus will be on continuing and expanding the policies initiated in the previous terms. Growth will likely depend on strategic reforms and initiatives in data protection, tech manufacturing, AI, green tech, digital literacy, semiconductors, and space tech.

There has been speculation about India's ability to produce high-quality hardware and software, and changes in key legislative decisions can cement the country's position in global tech. In the road ahead, the IT ministry, with Ashwini Vaishnaw at the helm, will have to carefully plan and implement key bills to realise the full potential of the reforms.

PRIVACY CONCERNS

The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and the umbrella regulation-the proposed Digital India Bill-have been works in progress. As Indians gradually shift to the online world, the implementation of robust data protection laws is the need of the hour. The bill aims to safeguard citizens' privacy while promoting the responsible use of data; it will tackle hate speech, misinformation, unfair trade practices, security and safety on the internet.

Jiten Jain, cybersecurity expert and Director at digital investigation services firm Voyager InfoSec, highlights the significant strides made in digital public services. The government has aimed to put every single public service delivery online to eliminate bureaucracy. This shift has led to greater transparency, Jain says. But he emphasises the need for enhanced measures to protect citizens from digital fraud and cybercrimes, especially in smaller towns.

There is also a need for a national security directive to prevent unapproved Chinese hardware in critical sectors like telecom and power and Jain feels there is a shortage of skilled labour in the cybersecurity sector.