Indian regulatory bodies are intensifying their efforts to address the complex challenges posed by the country's rapidly expanding digital sector.
In a closed-door meeting held on Thursday, August 28, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) began a collaborative dialogue to tackle the intricate relationship between data privacy, competition and consumer welfare.
Ravneet Kaur, chairperson of the CCI, met with S. Krishnan, secretary at MeitY, to deliberate on issues relating to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, or DPDP, and other matters including the interface with competition law.
The discussion highlighted the dual nature of data in the digital age. While it serves as a foundational resource driving innovation and efficiency, the concentration of data in the hands of a few dominant players can also create significant market power, leading to competition and privacy concerns. This dynamic presents a formidable challenge for regulators tasked with ensuring fair play and protecting consumer interests.
Earlier this year, Kaur had flagged the growing complexities of the digital economy, pointing to the significant challenges posed by the overlap between competition law and India's data-privacy regulations.
Citing a November 2024 CCI order against Meta Platforms*, Kaur said that the existence of the DPDP, though yet to be fully enforced, presents a unique challenge for the commission.
"In digital economies, data serves as the foundational resource driving innovation, efficiency and value creation across sectors. However, the centrality of data also gives rise to competition and privacy concerns,"
the CCI said in a statement on Thursday, following the joint meeting. A meeting that discussed the rapid growth of the digital sector and the emerging challenges around data protection, competition and consumer welfare.
The high-level meeting underscored the urgent need for a consultative regulatory approach. Both government agencies acknowledged that the rapid growth of the digital sector requires a cohesive strategy to ensure that data governance and competition principles remain in harmony amid emerging technological trends.
The meeting concluded with both agencies agreeing to maintain regular interaction and consultation to address the evolving digital landscape and support India's vision of a secure, competitive and digitally empowered economy.
*banned and designated as extremist in Russia
Source: MLex
