IT Act to be strengthened to protect data and privacy

New Delhi, Oct 16 (UNI) Amid complaints about the inadequacy of data protection and privacy laws in India and large-scale multimedia offences, the Union Cabinet today approved amendments to the Information Technology Act, 2000, to put in place security practices and procedures to be followed by body corporates and organisation and to enquire personal information of customers.

''A need is felt to strengthen the legislation pertaining to data protection and privacy,'' Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi told mediapersons after the meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Sngh.

He said the new amendment legislation would also seek to address new forms of computer misuse like video voyeurism, identity theft, e-commerce fraud like phishing, frauds on online auction sites, sending offensive e-mails and multimedia offences.

The legislation would seek to prescribe security practices and procedures relating to e-governance and other IT applications in view of the proliferation of such applications.

Mr Dasmunsi said there was an emerging view that IT laws should be technologically netural in line with the recommendations made by UNCITRAL (United Nations Commission on International Trade Law) Model Law on Electronic Signature. ''Such approach will promote development of alternative technologies for authentication of electronic records and wil not warrant legislative changes each time a new and equally effective technology is evolved.'' The Information Technology Act, when it was originally enacted in 2000, took into consideration the technology directions and scenario existing at that time. It was primarily aimed to boost e-commerce in the country and also to create an enabling environment for e-governance in the country. It provides a legal framework for transactions carried out using computers and the internet technologies.

''As the technology is an ever-evolving process for producing efficient and cost effective options, it was felt that a fresh look into the technology-driven law needs to be given,'' Mr Dasmunsi said.

UNI SH DKS HS1514