“One of the key explorations and examinations that we should be doing is how much empowerment we want to give to an entity like the CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) or the NCIIPC (National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre),” said Vinayak Godse at a discussion held by the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) on the upcoming Digital India Act (DIA) and its impact on cybersecurity. Godse is the DSCI's Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He added that a DIA framework "may explore possibilities of having both cyber preparedness and responsiveness because one cannot exist without the other." Why it matters: The discussion provides insights into the impact of the Digital India Act, which is expected to replace the 23-year-old Information and Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act). It will regulate platforms, user harms, and mandate an ethical use of technology, deal with cyber crimes, among other things. It becomes important in light of the fact that the bill is going to play a key role in how India shores up its cybersecurity and have a wide-ranging impact on the internet. The comments have been edited for purposes of clarity and brevity. Key takeaways from the discussion Deepa Ojha, Deputy Manager—Policy, DSCI, stressed the importance of a “safe and secure” cyberspace, only after which there can be expectations of “privacy and data protection,” she added. Here are some of the points discussed during the discussion: Prevention of cyber crimes: The discussion stated that responsibility at a national level could be one…
