Data Protection Vis- A- Vis Right to Privacy

Right to privacy is a fundamental right of every citizen as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. In the digital age, where everyone is connected through the internet, data privacy is a myth. Individuals are sharing their personal data with each other while engaging in online shopping or accessing bank facilities on the internet, or sharing their details on social media platforms. The information that is available over the computer networks can be accessed by anyone and tampered with by anyone. The large collection of information on the internet is expanding at a rapid pace, and the spread of new technological innovations such as artificial intelligence and, internet of things has posed a threat of abuse and misuse of the data. It is the need of the hour to have a strong data protection regime. This paper discusses the need for data protection law in India and the constitutional status of the right to privacy in India. It also focuses on the existing legal framework about data protection and right to privacy in India. Also, the researcher has discussed the Joint Parliamentary Committee Report on the Data Protection Bill and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.