We must approach tech transformations with due care
Mint Chennai|December 25, 2024
How we deal with technology is getting highly complex. It's the reason we must exercise fine judgement
RAHUL MATTHAN

Without a doubt, the biggest disappointment of 2024 has to be the fact that India's data protection law is still not in force despite having managed to get through both houses of Parliament in record time in 2023. The rules that were supposed to be issued this year still haven't seen the light of day.

In anticipation of the new law coming into effect, I discussed over the course of the year several issues that still needed to be addressed. In particular, I called for a sensible approach to age-gating—even suggesting zero-knowledge proof tokens as a way out. But none of this will make a difference until the law is brought into force. After all, this is just the first step. We still need to establish a data protection board, put in place mechanisms for audit, cross-border data transfers and the like.

On the other hand, what is most gratifying is the pace at which India's digital public infrastructure (DPI) approach gained acceptance around the world in the span of one short year. I was worried that this might not be the case, given the many concerns that were being raised about the DPI approach. But I should not have been.

Thanks to the work of many, DPI adoption scaled up around the world, as evidenced by outcomes of the DPI Global Summit, the Quad statement in Delaware and the UN's DPI Safeguards Initiative. On my recent visit to Brazil, I had an opportunity to witness in person the extent to which the DPI message had percolated into the global agenda on digital governance (and see for myself the DPI for climate change that Brazil had built).

This story is from the December 25, 2024 edition of Mint Chennai.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 25, 2024 edition of Mint Chennai.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MINT CHENNAIView All
Mint Chennai

End the year with music, art

A Mint guide to what's happening in and around your city

time-read
1 min  |
December 27, 2024
Mint Chennai

Do fashion collaborations give both brands an edge?

As more international brands look to partner with Indian creatives, a closer look at what will make these mergers truly meaningful

time-read
2 mins  |
December 27, 2024
Mint Chennai

Purists Don't Want Bakers To 'Mess' With The Mince Pie

Some Brits believe jazzing up the festive treat, made of dried fruit and pastry, takes away its nostalgic value

time-read
2 mins  |
December 27, 2024
Mint Chennai

How will US federal workers react to the wrath of DOGE?

They face hard choices. The US should heed past advice on reforms

time-read
3 mins  |
December 27, 2024
Mint Chennai

Watch 'Industry': Delve into imaginary trading

This serial does what the film 'Wall Street' did. It reveals how grubby investment banking can be. But it also shows the power of money to bury hatchets and forge unlikely alliances

time-read
2 mins  |
December 27, 2024
Mint Chennai

A manufacturing sector revival is a must to uplift our economy

India requires structural changes that go beyond cosmetic policy tweaks to address the real issues

time-read
3 mins  |
December 27, 2024
Mint Chennai

Bridging the Insurance Gap for India's Self-Employed with Tech Solutions

Self-employed people struggle to access term insurance and other financial protections

time-read
2 mins  |
December 27, 2024
Mint Chennai

CFA or CFP: What's Right for Your Financial Career Goal?

Exploring the career paths of CFA and CFP aspirants from diverse professional backgrounds

time-read
4 mins  |
December 27, 2024
Mint Chennai

Simhavalokana 2024: What Mr. Market Taught

Step into the shoes of an investor to understand the thrills (and surprises) a roaring bull market churns out

time-read
8 mins  |
December 27, 2024
Mint Chennai

Hospital room rent caps: How dual policies can affect claims?

My corporate insurance policy includes a room rent cap for hospital stays, while my individual insurance policy does not. Will staying in a higher-category room affect my claim?

time-read
2 mins  |
December 27, 2024