Redefining global privacy: The critical role of India’s GCCs

In today’s digital age, data privacy compliance is vital for businesses, not just for compliance but also to build customer trust. Global Capability Centers (GCCs) can adopt a well-defined GCC data privacy strategy by establishing Privacy Centre of Excellence which can assist in conducting key activities through AI-driven privacy solutions. 

In brief

• With over 1,700 GCCs employing 1.9 million professionals, India is a pivotal hub for global business operations.
• Establishing Privacy Centres of Excellence (CoEs) within India's GCCs ensures data privacy compliance with evolving global data protection regulations and fosters innovation.
• DPDPA compliance in India, underscores the nation's commitment to safeguarding personal data while addressing privacy risks in outsourcing and promoting growth.
• India's law and technology graduates provide a 40% to 70% cost advantage, enabling companies to invest in privacy automation without compromising quality.

In today’s digital world, data privacy is a crucial business function — not just regulatory compliance. It builds trust and ensures sustainability. As global data protection laws evolve, non-compliance penalties rise, urging organizations to establish Privacy Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Global Capability Centers (GCCs).

A well-functioning Privacy Centre of Excellence does not just ensure compliance, it embeds privacy-first thinking by fostering digital trust and privacy by design into organizational culture. It blends legal expertise, cybersecurity compliance, and technology, transforming privacy into a cross-functional discipline that supports business agility and innovation.¹

Why establish a Privacy CoEs?

Global data privacy laws like GDPR, CCPA, and India’s DPDPA, 2023, require strong governance. Privacy CoEs help streamline compliance, improve consistency, and reduce risk. They also enable scalable governance, real-time responses, and privacy-by-design, transforming privacy into a strategic asset. Early investment helps organizations boost agility, lower costs, and align privacy with growth goals.

Leading firms are already reaping the benefits of Privacy CoEs. A global bank established its CoE in India to streamline privacy assessments and third-party governance, reducing regulatory risk and improving data stewardship. E-commerce companies have also used CoEs to balance personalization with privacy, enhancing both customer experience and compliance.

India’s GCC advantage in privacy transformation

India houses over 1,700 GCCs, employing 1.9 million professionals, making it a critical node in global business operations. Yet, fewer than 10% of GCCs currently focus on privacy-related functions. In an environment of increasing regulatory complexity², this presents a significant opportunity.

By setting up Privacy CoEs in India, MNCs can centralize privacy operations, standardize frameworks across jurisdictions, and shift from reactive to proactive compliance³.  These centers foster innovation through privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs), privacy automation, and AI-driven privacy and governance, boosting both efficiency and customer trust.⁴ 

India’s cybersecurity landscape further strengthens its position as a hub for privacy innovation. With over 79 million cyberattacks recorded in 2023, the urgency for robust data protection mechanisms and resources is evident. The Indian cybersecurity job market is expected to reach INR 28,000 Crore by the end of 2025 providing a strong foundation for businesses seeking to enhance their privacy and security functions.⁵ Additionally, India offers significant cost advantages compared to Western markets, making it an attractive location for establishing a Privacy CoE without compromising quality.⁶

The emerging hub of privacy innovation - India’s value proposition for Privacy CoEs is built on three pillars:

Pillar one: A robust regulatory landscape

• DPDPA, 2023: India’s comprehensive data privacy law aligns with global standards on consent, data governance frameworks, and localization
• State-level support: Policies in states like Karnataka and Telangana offer incentives for setting up GCCs and privacy centers⁷ 
• Cybersecurity focus: India achieved Tier 1 status in the Global Cybersecurity Index (2024). Initiatives like the National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF) mandate increased cybersecurity spending, reinforcing privacy protection⁸

Pillar two: Skilled legal and tech workforce

• Law graduates: India produces over 100,000 annually, trained in India’s data protection laws and global data protection laws. These professionals are well-suited for roles in compliance, policy drafting, and privacy impact assessments
• Tech talent: With 3.4 million software engineers and rising expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and privacy engineering, India leads in implementing privacy-by-design, RegTech, and secure AI governance⁹ 
• Workforce strength: India is home to 28% of the global cybersecurity compliance and data privacy workforce and employs a growing number of women in privacy-related roles¹⁰

Pillar three: Cost-efficiency and scalability

• Cost advantage: Organizations benefit from a 40% to 70% cost advantage over Western markets without compromising quality¹¹
• Infrastructural benefits: GCC cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune offer robust infrastructure and a favorable talent-to-cost ratio
• Tax and regulatory benefits: Government incentives, such as SEZ benefits, R&D credits, and lower corporate taxes improve cost efficiency

Early movers reap long-term gains. Organizations that establish Privacy CoEs in India gain a clear advantage in regulatory readiness and customer trust. They attract top talent and build resilient governance models, making privacy a catalyst for innovation, not a roadblock.

Privacy as a competitive edge

Privacy is central to business growth, innovation, and trust. India provides the ideal ecosystem for world-class Privacy CoEs, with legal and tech expertise, scalable infrastructure, and a progressive regulatory framework. The DPDPA 2023, India’s cybersecurity growth, and its skilled workforce make it the ideal hub for global privacy strategies. As AI and digital transformation reshape business, Indian GCCs are poised to lead the next wave of privacy innovation.

Saurabh Mehendale - Director, Cybersecurity, Aditya Avadhani - Senior Consultant, Cybersecurity, Mohit Kumar - Associate Consultant, Cybersecurity have also contributed to the article.