TRAI insists DoT To implement Strict Data Protection Law

Описание: TRAI insists DoT To implement Strict Data Protection Law.In the wake of rising concerns about privacy and safety of personal data, especially in mobile apps and social media space, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has said people should have the right over their own data and not companies. The telecom watchdog further highlighted that the existing framework for the protection of personal data by companies was insufficient.Batting for telecom consumers, the Trai mentioned that entities controlling and processing user data are mere custodians and do not have primary rights over it. Worth mentioning here is that Trai’s latest recommendations are not binding but are significant in view of many cases of data breach, including the one involving millions of Facebook users.Here are 7 points you should know about Trai recommendation on telecom data ownership and usage1) If the recommendations are accepted by the government, digital service providers such as Google and Facebook, application developers like WhatsApp, government entities like UIDAI will have to secure explicit consent of the individual for collecting and processing personal data. 2) Device makers such as Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi and so on will come also under the purview of the new regulation if implemented by the government. Handset makers should disclose the terms and conditions of use before sale.3) Mobile phone users would be free to delete pre-installed apps and download certified apps without any restrictions. 4) Trai also said wider checks were needed to protect consumers since most of the data is accessed through telecom networks. All entities in the digital ecosystem, including telecom operators, should transparently disclose the information about the privacy breaches on their websites along with the actions taken for mitigation, and preventing such breaches in the future, recommended Trai in a statement issued on its website.5) Consumers should not be confused or misguided through confusing “one-sided” user agreements, the Trai said. The telecom regulator strongly recommended that ‘one-sided’ user agreements must be abandoned by device and app makers which are complicated for customers to understand.6) Trai further emphasised consumers that all apps and mobile devices must be brought under data-privacy laws to guard against the misuse of personal data that govern telecom companies at present.7) All entities create short templates of pacts or terms and conditions that should be available in multiple languages, easy to understand and unbiased, the Trai recommended.