In India, digital policy is overseen by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), which is responsible for technology, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital governance, digital infrastructure and data management.
The Union Minister of Electronics and IT announced that MeitY will expand its scope by incorporating experts from the:
- National e-Governance Division (NeGD)
- Digital India Corporation (DIC)
- AI Innovation Hub
The Innovation Centre will undertake the development and deployment of foundational models, with a specific focus on indigenous Large Multimodal Models and domain-specific foundational models. It will include models with high resource requirements that cater to applications across priority sectors such as governance, healthcare, agriculture, sustainability, manufacturing etc.
This expansion aims to establish MeitY as India’s “center for digital expertise and delivery” to improve the government’s interaction with citizens and enhance public services.
Artificial Intelligence AI in India is evolving rapidly, with diverse applications across sectors such as healthcare, education and agriculture. MeitY has issued strategy documents and a white paper on AI, targeting sustainable growth and improvement in public services aiming to harness AI for growth, productivity, and tangible benefits for Indian citizens.
Digital Government India’s digital government strategy focuses on using technology and data to make public services more efficient. Platforms like DigiLocker and UMANG app help citizens access services such as filing taxes, applying for IDs and renewing licenses. The India Stack framework supports this through identity verification and secure online access. The government’s Digital India initiative further aims to make public service delivery faster, more accessible, and transparent.
Digital Infrastructure India is working toward a target of 100% fiber broadband connectivity by 2025 and aims for full national 5G coverage by 2030. The foundation of this digital revolution has been strengthened by the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPIs) or India Stack, enhancing the ability of the country to use digital technologies at a population scale to change the society. DPIs form the cornerstone to shape this “tech-ade” and ultimately drive the “India@47” growth path. The DPI model is unique, interoperable, collaborative, equitable, with the inclusive principle that every citizen in the most inaccessible corner of the country has the same opportunity as everyone else.
The BharatNet project facilitates broadband in rural areas, while 5G trials are underway to support new applications in urban and industrial zones. The government collaborates with the private sector and focuses on providing public funding for regions that are hard to reach.
Data India’s data policies emphasize privacy and lawful data sharing, governed by the Personal Data Protection Act (DPDA). Key principles include purpose limitation, data minimization and accuracy. Additionally, MeitY ensures compliance with security standards for sensitive data, such as health and biometric information, while the Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) framework enables secure and consent-based data sharing across sectors.
Cybersecurity in India is managed through the Cyber Security Policy and Cyber Swachhta Kendra, focusing on protecting public sector data and infrastructure. MeitY also mandates regular audits and incident reporting across public sector entities to enhance resilience. Future measures, including a Cybersecurity Resilience Bill, aim to strengthen reporting standards and bring critical sectors under comprehensive cyber regulations, ensuring preparedness against advanced cyber threats.
Through these initiatives, India is making significant strides in digital governance, AI-driven innovation and infrastructure, enhancing the digital ecosystem to better serve its citizens and drive economic growth.
Challenges:
1. Cybersecurity Threats:
| Risks: Data breaches, hacking, phishing, malware, ransomware. Vulnerabilities: Outdated systems, poor encryption, weak passwords. Impact: Financial loss, reputational damage, national security risks. | Solutions: – Implement robust security protocols. – Regular updates and patches. – Awareness campaigns. – Collaboration with global cybersecurity experts. |
2. Data Privacy Concerns:
| Risks: Unauthorized data collection, misuse, and sharing. Concerns: Aadhaar data security, social media privacy. Impact: Erosion of trust, identity theft, surveillance. | Solutions: – Strengthen data protection laws. – Implement robust consent mechanisms. – Data anonymization. – Independent data regulatory authority. |
3. Digital Literacy:
| Risks: Unauthorized data collection, misuse, and sharing. Concerns: Aadhaar data security, social media privacy. Impact: Erosion of trust, identity theft, surveillance. | Solutions: – Strengthen data protection laws. – Implement robust consent mechanisms. – Data anonymization. – Independent data regulatory authority. |
3. Digital Literacy:
| Challenges: Low digital skills, limited internet access. Impact: Exclusion from digital economy, limited opportunities. | Solutions: – Digital education programs. – Online resources and training. – Collaborations with NGOs and private sector. – Accessible digital infrastructure. |
4. Infrastructure Gaps:
| Challenges: Inadequate connectivity, slow internet speeds. Impact: Limited digital access, economic disparities. | Solutions: – Invest in digital infrastructure (5G, fiber optics). – Expand rural connectivity. – Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). – Incentivize private investment. |
5. Balancing Regulation and Innovation:
| Challenges: Over-regulation stifling innovation. Impact: Limited entrepreneurship, slow growth. | Solutions: – Collaborative regulatory approach. – Sandbox environments for testing. – Flexible policy frameworks. – Encourage public-private dialogue. |
Points to Ponder:
- Balancing Innovation and Regulation in AI Development:
While India’s AI policy promotes growth, productivity, and tangible benefits for citizens, critics argue that excessive regulation may stifle innovation. Some believe that the government should create a regulatory “sandbox” for AI startups to experiment with fewer restrictions, which could drive faster advancements while maintaining safety measures. - Privacy vs. Digital Access in Data Management:
The Personal Data Protection Act (DPDA) in India seeks to safeguard citizens’ privacy. However, balancing privacy with the increasing demand for data sharing and digital services can be challenging. Some argue that stricter privacy regulations could make data sharing more complex, potentially hindering innovation in sectors like healthcare and education. - Investment in Digital Infrastructure – Is Public Funding Enough?
While India has ambitious targets for broadband and 5G coverage, critics argue that the current public funding may not suffice to meet the 2025 broadband and 2030 5G goals. Some believe additional private investment and regulatory adjustments are needed, especially in underserved rural regions, to achieve equitable digital infrastructure. - Effectiveness of Cybersecurity Measures in the Public Sector:
Although India has established national cybersecurity policies and standards, questions remain on whether these measures are sufficient to address sophisticated cyber threats. Some experts suggest that the current cybersecurity measures in the public sector might need more agile, adaptive frameworks that can respond to new threats promptly. - Digital Literacy as a Barrier to Digital Governance:
India’s digital governance efforts, while promising, may face obstacles due to varying levels of digital literacy across regions. Critics argue that these initiatives may not reach their full potential unless accompanied by widespread digital literacy campaigns. Some also propose incentivizing digital training programs as a solution to improve access and usage.