Indian Citizens Concerned About Data Breaches; Ahead of DPDP Bill Table Discussion

NEW DELHI: As the anticipated tabling of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) bill in the Indian Parliament on August 3 approaches, a comprehensive report sheds light on the apprehensions of Indian citizens regarding the security of their personal data. The report, conducted by LocalCircles, an online community platform, delves into the prevailing concerns among Indians pertaining to data breaches, highlighting a widespread belief that their personal information has been compromised by various entities including government departments, telecom companies, and banks.

Drawing from an extensive survey that garnered responses from more than 23,000 citizens across 309 districts in India, the study offers a comprehensive view of public sentiment. Among the respondents, the gender distribution stood at 67% men and 33% women. The primary objective of the survey was to assess whether the personal details of individuals had been exposed to the public domain and to ascertain the extent of data compromises that had taken place.

Intriguingly, the survey's findings challenge the notion of data privacy, with only a mere 9% of participants asserting that their personal information had not encountered any leaks or exposure to the public domain. In stark contrast, a substantial 72% of respondents expressed their belief that their personal data, ranging from mobile numbers and email addresses to Aadhaar and PAN card numbers, had fallen victim to leaks or were openly accessible. Meanwhile, 19% of respondents remained uncertain, refraining from offering a definitive response.

The report further examines the specific types of personal information that respondents believed had been compromised. A significant majority, constituting 72% of those who claimed data leaks, pinpointed their mobile numbers as the most vulnerable piece of information. Additionally, 63% cited their email addresses, while 53% referenced their Aadhaar numbers, underscoring the broad spectrum of sensitive data that could potentially be at risk.

Other data categories that featured in the survey included PAN card numbers (50%), Voter ID numbers (25%), credit/debit card numbers (22%), and even details as specific as annual income/salary (9%). This diverse range of compromised information demonstrates the magnitude of the challenge in safeguarding personal data across various sectors.

The report delves further into the entities that respondents held responsible for the alarming data leaks. A substantial 81% of participants attributed blame to state and local government offices and databases. This category encompassed entities such as the Road Transport Offices (RTOs), municipalities, hospitals, public distribution systems, and property registration offices. Telecom service providers came under scrutiny as well, with nearly 75% of respondents implicating them in data breaches. Banks and financial service providers were also implicated, as 69% of participants held them accountable.

Furthermore, the report highlighted that central government offices, databases, and staff were held responsible by 56% of respondents. This included well-known databases and platforms like EPF, Passport, CoWIN, Aarogya Setu, Aadhaar, Income Tax, Vehicle Ownership, and Voter ID.

In summary, the impending tabling of the DPDP bill has brought to the forefront the concerns of Indian citizens regarding data breaches. The report by LocalCircles underscores a prevailing sentiment among respondents, with a significant majority believing that their personal data has been compromised by various entities. This, in turn, emphasizes the urgency of robust data protection measures to safeguard the personal information of Indian citizens in an increasingly digital age.

ALSO READ: Revitalizing Tripura's Tourism: Kailashahar Airport Reopens for Regional Connectivity

ALSO WATCH: