Three issues for Digital India to succeed

The three major issues that Digital India needs to consider include the responsibility of the big companies, evolving a policy framework in terms of digital electronics and platforms by the government and a focus on local manufacture

By Anup Jayaram

The three major issues that Digital India needs to consider include the responsibility of the big companies, evolving a policy framework in terms of digital electronics and platforms by the government and a focus on local manufacture. This was stated by Ashok Chawla, chairperson, Competition Commission of India while addressing the Second Digital India Dialogue organized by The Indian Express Group today. Chawla emphasized that for manufacturing to take-off in the country, we need critical mass.

The theme of the discussion was Fostering India’s Digital Economy. The focus area of the discussion revolved around privacy and security of data. That’s all the more relevant at a time when the European Court of Justice struck down an international agreement that allowed companies to move digital information including social media posts and web search history between the European Union and the US. It ruled that sending personal data to the United States violates their right to privacy. Victoria A Espinel, president & CEO, BSA Group stated that today we are at a time when distance and natural borders impact less and less. It allows companies to operate seamlessly across borders, but we need to consider national security issues while ensuring that borders are open in the digital world.

Aruna Sundarajan, administrator of the USO Fund pointed out that while 200-400 million Indians are connected digitally, there is a vast majority that has no access to the digital world. She stated the country needs to address privacy and security issues. While there is a promise of the digital economy, there are inherent dilemmas and challenges that need to be tackled. Addressing the distinguished audience, Anant Goenka, wholetime director & Head—New Media, The Express Group stated that this government’s focus on digital and believe that technology improves the efficiency of governance and the transparency of government.