Navigating the new data privacy era with DPDP Rules, 2025

The Rules set a clear framework for personal data management, turning compliance into a cultural shift toward transparency, accountability, and responsible data use.

India has entered a defining phase in its technology evolution journey. With the release of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, the country now has a clearer and more structured framework for how personal data must be collected, used, stored and protected. For businesses, this is not just a compliance requirement but a fundamental shift in how data-driven decisions will be made in the future.

The Rules operationalise the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and set strong expectations around transparency, accountability and responsible data management. At a time when billions of digital interactions take place every day, the DPDP Rules encourage organisations to reassess their systems, processes and even their culture.

While the provisions of the personal data protection framework are clear, the impact on operations raises deeper questions. Many organisations rely on siloed and fragmented data systems that make data privacy compliance difficult. This will accelerate the need for unified consent-based data management frameworks that consolidate customer information, consent records and retention schedules. Without this integration, responding to requests for data access or deletion becomes slow and increases the risk of errors.

There are also implications for internal investigations and audits. Compliance and forensic teams must take steps to comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules by ensuring that data collected during investigations does not unintentionally capture personal information without a clear legal basis. Segregating personal and professional data will become a priority, especially with hybrid work models where employees often use the same devices for multiple purposes.

Ultimately, the DPDP Rules present an opportunity rather than an obstacle. They allow organisations to redesign data ecosystems, embed privacy into product and process design and demonstrate to customers that their information is handled with care. Companies that begin preparing now by strengthening AI governance under the DPDP framework, reworking data flows and building a privacy-aware culture will be better placed to earn trust and minimise regulatory risks.

Gurjeet S Chahal, Director, Forensics, EY India, has also co-authored this article.