Latest news with #DataProtectionLaw
The Print
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Digital India achievements: Scindia fires data salvo to counter Kharge on X
'Mr. @Kharge , let me offer a simple suggestion: try a basic web search for 'telecom scams in India.' What you'll find is a list featuring Congress/UPA-led crony capitalism at its best!' he said. Scindia suggested to Kharge to go check on the web for telecom scams in India which will show activities related to the UPA regime while the present regime is recognised with leadership in technology. New Delhi, Jul 1 (PTI) Union telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia unleashed a string of data, ranging from BSNL's consecutive profit after 18 years to connecting over 2 lakh gram panchayats with broadband, on social media platform X to counter claims of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on the Digital India programme. The minister said that at present when the world looks at India as a global leader in telecom, 5G, and satellite connectivity, it is the Modi government that made it possible, not by doing favours, but by doing reforms and 'undoing the mess of the Grand Old Party. 'The Congress' contribution to Digital India has been very clear which is to Scam India and leaving behind a legacy steeped in kleptocracy and institutionalised corruption,' Scindia said. Kharge had alleged that false claims have been made by the ruling government citing several instances, including coverage of villages aimed at under the Bharatnet project, abysmal performance of BSNL despite a financial package of over Rs 3 lakh crore, rise in cyber crimes, weakening of RTI by Data Protection Law in works. Countering Kharge's allegations, Scindia said that BharatNet is still ongoing and 2.12 lakh Gram Panchayats have already been connected compared to just 58 gram panchayats that were connected under the 10 years of the UPA regime. He said that when the UPA left office, BSNL was on critical life support — marred by the 2G scam, starved of investment, and systematically sabotaged. 'Today, thanks to targeted reforms and indigenous innovation under PM Modi's leadership, we revived Bharat's national telecom sovereignty. BSNL posted consecutive quarterly net profits, Rs 262 crore in the third quarter and Rs 280 crore in the fourth quarter of FY 2024–2025; first time after 2007 after 18 years!' the minister said. He said with operating profit growing to Rs 5,395 crore in FY2024-25, BSNL has deployed over 90,100 4G towers that are powered by Atmanirbhar Made-in-India technology. 'The Modi Government invested over Rs 3.2 lakh crore, not as a bailout, but to revive a critical national asset that your party nearly killed. Moreover, India has had the fastest rollout of 5G in the world, where we have connected 99 per cent districts and 82% of our population in 22 months! So, if someone says it's falling behind, perhaps their math, like their memory, is flawed,' Scindia said. The minister said through initiatives like Sanchar Saathi and ASTR, the Department of Telecom has taken strong action against cyber fraud — disconnecting over 3.5 crore numbers, blocking 4.22 crore fake SIMs, blocking 3.5 lakh mobile handsets and securing 34 lakh lost devices. Congress President alleged that as of June 26 2025, under the BharatNet project, a total of 6.55 lakh villages were supposed to be targeted for broadband connectivity but 4.53 lakh villages, about 65 per cent, are yet to be covered. 'The project's deadline has been revised at least 8 times in 11 years,' Kharge said. He said that when the private players are opting for 5G, BSNL has not yet completed its target of deploying 1 lakh 4G towers. 'Even after receiving three revival packages worth over Rs 3 lakh crore — Rs 69,000 crore in 2019, Rs 1.64 lakh crore in 2022, and Rs 89,047 crore in 2023, it still lags behind private players,' Kharge said. He said that BSNL's debt rose by 291.7 per cent from Rs 5,948 crore in March 2014 to Rs 23,297 crore in March 2024 and MTNL's debt increased by 136.2 per cent, from Rs 14,210 crore to Rs 33,568 crore over the same period. Congress President had alleged that 'RTI Act brought by the Congress party is being weakened by bringing a flawed Data Protection Law'. PTI PRS PRS MR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
NDTV
5 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"Try Basic Web Search": Jyotiraditya Scindia Jabs Mallikarjun Kharge Over Digital India
New Delhi: Union telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia unleashed a string of data, ranging from BSNL's consecutive profit after 18 years to connecting over 2 lakh gram panchayats with broadband, on social media platform X to counter claims of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on the Digital India programme. Mr Scindia suggested Mr Kharge to go check on the web for telecom scams in India which will show activities related to the UPA regime while the present regime is recognised with leadership in technology. "Mr. @Kharge , let me offer a simple suggestion: try a basic web search for "telecom scams in India". What you'll find is a list featuring Congress/UPA-led crony capitalism at its best!" he said. The minister said that at present when the world looks at India as a global leader in telecom, 5G, and satellite connectivity, it is the PM Modi government that made it possible, not by doing favours, but by doing reforms and "undoing the mess of the Grand Old Party. "The Congress' contribution to Digital India has been very clear which is to Scam India and leaving behind a legacy steeped in kleptocracy and institutionalised corruption," Mr Scindia said. Mr Kharge had alleged that false claims have been made by the ruling government citing several instances, including coverage of villages aimed at under the Bharatnet project, abysmal performance of BSNL despite a financial package of over Rs 3 lakh crore, rise in cyber crimes, weakening of RTI by Data Protection Law in works. Countering Mr Kharge's allegations, Mr Scindia said that BharatNet is still ongoing and 2.12 lakh Gram Panchayats have already been connected compared to just 58 gram panchayats that were connected under the 10 years of the UPA regime. He said that when the UPA left office, BSNL was on critical life support - marred by the 2G scam, starved of investment, and systematically sabotaged. "Today, thanks to targeted reforms and indigenous innovation under PM Modi's leadership, we revived Bharat's national telecom sovereignty. BSNL posted consecutive quarterly net profits, Rs 262 crore in the third quarter and Rs 280 crore in the fourth quarter of FY 2024-2025; first time after 2007 after 18 years!" the minister said. He said with operating profit growing to Rs 5,395 crore in FY2024-25, BSNL has deployed over 90,100 4G towers that are powered by Atmanirbhar Made-in-India technology. "The Modi Government invested over Rs 3.2 lakh crore, not as a bailout, but to revive a critical national asset that your party nearly killed. Moreover, India has had the fastest rollout of 5G in the world, where we have connected 99 per cent districts and 82% of our population in 22 months! So, if someone says it's falling behind, perhaps their math, like their memory, is flawed," Mr Scindia said. The minister said through initiatives like Sanchar Saathi and ASTR, the Department of Telecom has taken strong action against cyber fraud - disconnecting over 3.5 crore numbers, blocking 4.22 crore fake SIMs, blocking 3.5 lakh mobile handsets and securing 34 lakh lost devices. Congress President alleged that as of June 26 2025, under the BharatNet project, a total of 6.55 lakh villages were supposed to be targeted for broadband connectivity but 4.53 lakh villages, about 65 per cent, are yet to be covered. "The project's deadline has been revised at least 8 times in 11 years," Mr Kharge said. He said that when the private players are opting for 5G, BSNL has not yet completed its target of deploying 1 lakh 4G towers. "Even after receiving three revival packages worth over Rs 3 lakh crore - Rs 69,000 crore in 2019, Rs 1.64 lakh crore in 2022, and Rs 89,047 crore in 2023, it still lags behind private players," Mr Kharge said. He said that BSNL's debt rose by 291.7 per cent from Rs 5,948 crore in March 2014 to Rs 23,297 crore in March 2024 and MTNL's debt increased by 136.2 per cent, from Rs 14,210 crore to Rs 33,568 crore over the same period. Congress President had alleged that "RTI Act brought by the Congress party is being weakened by bringing a flawed Data Protection Law".
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Modi government's 'lofty' claims about Digital India marred by 'unfulfilled promises': Kharge
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday (July 1, 2025) charged that the government's lofty claims of Digital India are marred by unfulfilled promises and false claims, and asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reflect on his government's "multiple failures and frauds" instead. His remarks came after the Prime Minister stated that the Digital India initiative, launched a decade ago, bridged the digital divide between haves and have-nots, and democratised opportunity, stressing that it has become a people's movement. In a post on X, Mr. Kharge said as of June 26, under the BharatNet project, a total of 6.55 lakh villages were supposed to be targeted for broadband connectivity of which 4.53 lakh villages — 65% of them are yet to be covered. The project's deadline has been revised at least eight times in 11 years, and a meagre 0.73% (766) gram panchayats currently have active Wi-Fi services, he said. Mr. Kharge said when private players are opting for 5G, BSNL has not yet completed its target of deploying 1 lakh 4G towers, as one-third towers left to be installed. The Congress chief said even after receiving three revival packages worth over ₹3 lakh crore — ₹69,000 crore in 2019, ₹1.64 lakh crore in 2022, and ₹89,047 crore in 2023 — it still lags behind private players. "BSNL's debt rose by 291.7%, from ₹5,948 crore in March 2014 to ₹23,297 crore in March 2024. MTNL's debt increased by 136.2%, from ₹14,210 crore to ₹33,568 crore over the same period," he said. Claiming digital exclusion of the marginalised, Mr. Kharge said 75.3% of people aged 15 and above in the country do not know how to use a computer. "This includes 81.9% in rural areas and 60.4% in urban areas, highlighting a significant digital skills gap. [NSS survey, 2020-21]. Nearly 7 crore registered workers excluded from MNREGA by imposing the condition of AADHAAR based payment," he said. The Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha said, "54% of government schools do not have an internet connection, 79 per cent have no desktop computer, 85% lack a projector, and 79%t do not have a smart classroom. [UDISE+ 2023-24 report]". Accusing the government of hurting privacy and weakening transparency, he said none less than PM Modi himself, reportedly, told ministers and secretaries that India saw over 10 crore cyber attacks since the Pahalgam terror attack. 'Cybersecurity incidents rose by about 76.25% from 2020 to 2024. These cases increased from 11.58 lakh in 2020 to over 20.41 lakh in 2024. [CERT-In data]' "Between 2022 and 2024, digital arrest scams and related cybercrimes in India nearly tripled, and the money lost rose 21 times. [Rajya Sabha reply]," he said in his post. Mr. Kharge also alleged that the RTI Act brought by the Congress is being weakened by bringing a flawed Data Protection Law. "We were told that demonetisation will reduce cash transactions, but cash in circulation has risen, even in the last year [RBI]," he said. "Narendra Modi ji, we need to place on record that it was under the then PM Dr. Manmohan Singh, that we created the Direct Benefits through AADHAAR & UPI architecture, which has made India a leader in Digital transactions," he said. The Congress president claimed that the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) which runs UPI transactions was established by the UPA government in 2009 itself. First Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme - PaHaL for LPG subsidy to 9.55 crore beneficiaries was launched by Congress-UPA in June 2013, he also said.. "So, instead of glossing over National achievements, and trying to seek credit for #10YearsOfDigitalIndia, perhaps you should reflect on the multiple failures and frauds inflicted by your government," Mr. Kharge said.
Hi Dubai
26-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
DIFC Proposes Amendments to Data Protection and Other Legislation
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, has proposed key amendments to its legislation through the DIFC Laws Amendment Law, Law No. 1 of 2005. These amendments aim to align DIFC laws with international best practices and provide enhanced protections for data subjects. A significant change involves the Data Protection Law, which seeks to introduce several updates. The amendments will clarify the scope of the law, ensuring that DIFC Data Subjects receive full protection, regardless of where their data is processed. Additionally, updates to Article 28 will allow the Commissioner to reassess the adequacy of third countries' data protection measures. This also ensures that personal data handled by government authorities is properly safeguarded, with accessible remedies for affected individuals. Another major development is the introduction of a Private Right of Action through DIFC Courts. This will empower data subjects to seek legal remedies if their personal data is processed in violation of the Data Protection Law. Further proposed amendments will provide clarifications on the Law of Security, Insolvency Law, and Employment, refining existing provisions to enhance legal clarity and consistency. The proposed changes are open for public consultation, with the consultation period running until March 26, 2025. Interested parties can review the full details of the proposed amendments in Consultation Paper No. 1 of 2025. These updates reflect DIFC's commitment to maintaining a robust legal framework that aligns with global standards and promotes transparency and fairness in data protection. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Mid East Info
26-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai and DIFC selected to host 2026 Global Privacy Assembly - Middle East Business News and Information
The Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) has announced that Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, has been selected to host the GPA conference in 2026. The Global Privacy Assembly is an international group, established in 1979 as the premier global forum for data protection and privacy authorities. The Assembly is comprised of leading global Information and Privacy Authorities and Commissioners. It is an independent body that operates primarily to uphold information rights in the public interest, promoting openness by public bodies and data privacy for individuals. DIFC's selection reflects the Centre's reputation of being at the forefront of data protection and privacy regulation in the region. With its robust Data Protection Law (DIFC Law No. 5 of 2020), DIFC ensures the highest standards of privacy and data security, fostering trust among global businesses and multi-jurisdictional stakeholders. As a key jurisdiction that facilitates secure, cross-border data flows, DIFC is committed to enabling innovation while ensuring that data is handled ethically and responsibly. Hosting the Global Privacy Assembly in 2026 will further highlight DIFC's leadership in privacy governance, solidifying its reputation as a global hub for privacy policy, regulatory excellence, and international cooperation. Hosting the GPA 2026 also provides DIFC with a seat on the Assembly's Executive Committee. The event will be open to private industry including technology companies, consultants, law firms and non-governmental organisations as well as data protection authorities and other similar organisations admitted to the GPA as Members and Observers. His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC said: 'DIFC has set a very high bar for comprehensive privacy and data protection regulation, initially in the Middle East and is now gaining global recognition. It will be an honour to host the Global Privacy Assembly in 2026. The event will allow DIFC to showcase our world-class standards and ensure GPA members become ambassadors for Dubai.' The last Assembly was hosted in 2024 by the Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner. When announcing that Dubai had won the bid to host the 2026 event, Jersey's Information Commissioner Paul Vane and the Global Privacy Assembly's Executive Committee, both expressed confidence in the capacity of the DIFC Data Protection Commissioner's Office to organise an insightful and engaging programme. DIFC's world-class legal and regulatory framework is based on international standards and principles of common law. Over the years, the Centre's laws and regulations have continued to evolve, reflecting global best practice. Recently, Data Protection Regulations were amended to address safer, and more ethical management of personal data processing and operations, with Regulation 10, a first-of-its-kind inclusion introduced on the processing of personal data via autonomous and semi-autonomous systems. A Digital Assets Law and Law of Security were introduced, which set out legal characteristics of a digital asset, its proprietary nature, how it may be controlled, transferred, and dealt with by interested parties. Securing the Global Privacy Assembly is one of several other milestones this year for the DIFC Data Protection Commissioner's Office, including joining the Global Cooperation Arrangement for Privacy Enforcement (CAPE) and gaining Associate Membership in the Global Cross Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum.
