Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on Privacy,Mr. JosepthCannataci, during the 47th Session of Human Rights Council (21 June – 15 July 2021) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, (Geneva, 02July, 2021)

Madam President,

We take note of the report of the Special Rapporteur pertaining to data privacy principles underpinning artificial intelligence solutions. While AI technologies hold huge potential for transformative growth and innovation, they also pose privacy and security concerns.

Madam President,

The Government of India recognises that ‘Right to Privacy’ is a FundamentalRight and is committed to ensure the same to all its citizens.One of the key aspects of our ambition for large scale adoption of AIincludes responsible AI - ensuring adequate privacy and balancing ethical considerations with the need for innovation.

Based on the recommendations of a Committee of Experts constituted by the Government, a Draft Personal Data Protection Bill has been tabled in Parliament in 2019 and is currently being examined by a Joint Parliamentary Committee.  It provides for the creation of a Data Protection Authority to protect the interests of data principal, prevent misuse of personal data, ensure compliance and promote awareness regarding data protection. It allows processing of individual’s data by fiduciaries only if consent is provided by the individual.

India’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, 2018 emphasises on the need to ensure adequate privacy. In order to create a policy framework for AI, the Government has constituted four committees covering all aspects of AI including a Committee on cybersecurity, safety, legal and ethical issues.

I thank you.