LI Network
Published on: 27 July 2023 at 12:37 IST
Tensions ran high during the standing committee meeting on IT and communications on Wednesday as opposition members staged a walkout to protest against what they deemed a rushed attempt to pass the Personal Data Protection Bill.
During the discussion, an opposition member called for a postponement of the meeting to allow all committee members sufficient time to study the latest version of the bill. They pointed out that the legislation had undergone multiple changes, and it was crucial to understand the implications of the most recent draft before its adoption. However, their plea was not heeded, leading to all seven opposition members present in the meeting staging a walkout in protest.
Jawhar Sircar, representing the TMC, raised specific objections to certain provisions in the previous version of the bill. He highlighted concerns about the government’s attempt to control the Data Protection Board by appointing its own members rather than ensuring an impartial and judicial composition.
Sircar also voiced reservations about the concept of ‘temporary consent’ granted to data fiduciaries, arguing that such data should not be shared with others without explicit consent from the individual.
The walkout by opposition members underscores the importance they place on thoroughly examining the bill and ensuring that it adequately safeguards citizens’ personal data.
The demand for more time to study the latest draft comes amid rising concerns about data privacy and the need for robust legislation to protect individuals’ sensitive information from misuse or unauthorized access.
The government, on the other hand, maintains that the bill is essential to address the challenges posed by the growing digital landscape and the increasing use of personal data in various sectors. However, critics argue that rushing through the adoption without ample consideration could lead to potential loopholes or compromises in data protection measures.
As the standoff continues, it remains to be seen how the standing committee on IT and communications will address the opposition’s demands for a thorough examination of the Personal Data Protection Bill and whether any changes will be made to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders