Statement by India under Agenda Item 3 : Interactive Dialogue with “the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Privacy” at the 49th Session of the Human Rights Council (28 February – 01 April 2022) delivered by Mr. S. Senthil Kumar, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India (Geneva, 10 March 2022)

Mr. Vice-President,

     My delegation thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting her first report on the right to privacy.

Mr. Vice-President,

2.   India is committed to inclusive use of digital technologies for achieving our goal of inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development, leading to digital transformation of India.

3.   We consider Privacy as a core element of an individual’s life. India fully recognises and respects the right of privacy, as an essential element of the Right to Life, guaranteed as a fundamental right under our Constitution.

4.   India is actively working towards bringing out a data protection law in line with international best practices. Based on recommendations of a Committee of Experts constituted by the Government, a Draft Personal Data Protection Bill has been tabled in our Parliament and is currently being considered by the Parliament.

Mr. Vice-President,

5.  We believe that the design, development, governance and use of digital technologies should be shaped by democratic values and respect for universal human rights. We are committed to development and use of digital and other emerging technologies that yield tangible benefits for society, developed through a multi-stakeholder approach that is adaptive, dynamic, and aligns with universal values, including respect for freedom of expression and privacy.

I thank you, Mr. Vice-President.

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