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Digital India Act 2023: Transforming Cyber Regulations

A Comprehensive Overview of the Digital India Act

Digital India Act 2023: Transforming Cyber Regulations

  • 14 Oct, 2023
  • 482

What is the Digital India Act 2023 (DIA)?

The Digital India Act 2023 (DIA) is a proposed legislation aimed at modernizing India's digital and cyber regulations. This act is set to replace the outdated Information Technology Act of 2000 and tackle the challenges and opportunities present in today's digital environment.

Why Do We Need a New Act?

The necessity for a new act arises from the limitations of the old IT Act, which was established when internet usage was minimal, with only 5.5 million users in India. Now, with over 850 million internet users, the landscape has vastly changed, introducing new issues such as cyberstalking and trolling, making an update imperative.

Key Features of the DIA

The DIA emphasizes several critical areas:

  • Online Safety: It aims to enhance protections against cyber threats.
  • Responsible Technology Use: The act encourages the ethical use of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain.
  • Open Internet: It promotes the maintenance of an open and accessible internet.
  • Stricter User Identification: Enhanced identification measures for wearable devices are included.
  • Review of Safe Harbour: The act reviews the current "safe harbour" principle, which protects online platforms from liability regarding user-generated content.

Impact of the DIA on Online Safety

The primary goal of the DIA is to safeguard citizens from various online threats, including cyberstalking and trolling. By establishing a comprehensive legal framework, the act aims to provide robust protections for users, ensuring a safer digital environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the purpose of the Digital India Act 2023?
Answer: The Digital India Act 2023 aims to modernize India's digital regulations, replacing the outdated IT Act of 2000, enhancing online safety, and addressing contemporary digital challenges.

Q2. How does the DIA address online safety issues?
Answer: The DIA focuses on protecting citizens from online harms like cyberstalking and trolling by creating a comprehensive legal framework that enhances user safety and accountability.

Q3. What are the key features of the Digital India Act?
Answer: Key features include promoting online safety, responsible use of technology, maintaining an open internet, and reviewing the current safe harbour principle for online platforms.

Q4. Why is an update to the IT Act necessary?
Answer: An update is essential due to the significant growth in internet users and the emergence of new challenges, such as cyber threats, that the original IT Act does not adequately address.

Q5. What technologies does the DIA focus on?
Answer: The DIA emphasizes responsible use of new technologies like AI and blockchain, aiming to ensure ethical practices and user protection in the digital landscape.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary aim of the Digital India Act 2023?
A) To replace the IT Act of 2000
B) To regulate social media platforms
C) To increase internet users in India
D) To manage digital payments
Correct Answer: A

Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Digital India Act 2023?
A) Enhanced online safety
B) Review of safe harbour principle
C) Promotion of closed internet
D) Responsible use of technology
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: Why was the IT Act of 2000 considered outdated?
A) It had no provisions for AI
B) It was established for a small user base
C) It did not include regulations for online markets
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D

Question 4: What challenge does the Digital India Act 2023 address?
A) Increase in e-commerce
B) Cyberstalking and trolling
C) Internet service provider regulations
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: How does the DIA propose to enhance user identification?
A) By promoting anonymity
B) By enforcing stricter identification for wearable devices
C) By limiting device usage
D) By using biometric data only
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: What aspect of technology does the DIA emphasize?
A) Artificial intelligence
B) Augmented reality
C) Virtual reality
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: A

Question 7: Which principle is reviewed in the Digital India Act 2023?
A) Safe harbour principle
B) Privacy principle
C) Data protection principle
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: A

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