Supreme Court view will shape data protection in India

Subject

Supreme Court's verdict on the fundamental right to privacy.

Significance

A hearing that began in India’s Supreme Court on July 19 concerns petitions challenging the obligatory use of Aadhaar -- a unique national identity number anchored in biometric data. Following recent data breaches affecting telecoms companies, the Court’s approach to the question of individual privacy will have an effect on efforts to enhance data security in India.

Impacts

• A new and large market will emerge for data protection consultancy.
• Criminal and civil laws on search and seizure operations will require amending.
• There may be renewed challenges to legislation criminalising same-sex relations.