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    HomeBusiness InsightsFrom Tick-Box Consent to Privacy by Design: Nikhil Jhanji, IDfy

    From Tick-Box Consent to Privacy by Design: Nikhil Jhanji, IDfy

    In the rapidly evolving landscape of data privacy, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) has emerged as a transformative regulation, redefining how businesses in India handle personal data. Moving beyond outdated, tick-box consent practices, the Act emphasizes Privacy by Design, transparency, and accountability as cornerstones of compliance. Nikhil Jhanji, Senior Product Manager at IDfy, sheds light on this paradigm shift, highlighting the need for granular, use-case-specific privacy notices and proactive compliance strategies. As India gears up for the notification of the DPDP Rules 2025, Jhanji explores how enterprises can leverage privacy automation, integrate Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) frameworks, and balance innovation with consumer trust in this dynamic digital era.

    TAM: How is the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP) reshaping data privacy practices in India, and what are its implications for businesses across sectors?

    Nikhil Jhanji: The DPDP Act is transforming data privacy in India, pushing businesses toward greater transparency, accountability, and Privacy by Design. Companies must ensure clear, revocable consent and adapt to new compliance obligations, especially for Significant Data Fiduciaries (SDFs), who must appoint DPOs and conduct DPIAs etc. A key shift across sectors shall be the movement away from a single and vague tick-box based consent mechanism (alongside a generic privacy policy) to granular and use-case specific privacy notices that balance digital enablement while being on the right side of the law.

    Also read: Data Privacy, GRC Integration, and Impact of Emerging Technologies under India’s DPDP Act

    It is prudent to understand how the DPDPA is different than other global laws for example in terms of collecting consent in 22 languages, additional obligations for DFs etc. while charting enterprise compliance pathways The imminent notification of the DPDPA Rules 2025 shall further spur this movement on.In fact for enterprises, compliance is more than avoiding penalties—it’s about building trust. At Privy, we enable businesses to automate compliance and embed privacy into digital workflows, turning DPDP readiness into a strategic advantage.

    TAM: In the evolving regulatory landscape, how can organizations integrate Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) frameworks to ensure seamless adherence to the DPDP while maintaining operational efficiency?

    Nikhil Jhanji: Enterprises must align data protection and privacy risks within their broader risk charter to ensure DPDP compliance is treated as a core business priority rather than a standalone function. Embedding privacy into enterprise risk management enables proactive identification of compliance gaps and mitigates regulatory exposure.

    Additionally, privacy automation and tooling play a crucial role in demonstrating compliance effectively. By leveraging automated risk assessments, real-time monitoring, and audit-ready reporting, organizations can streamline compliance efforts and be better prepared for audits and regulatory inquiries from the Data Protection Board (DPB). This not only enhances operational efficiency but also builds a strong foundation of trust and accountability.

    TAM: With the advent of Generative AI and other emerging technologies, what new data privacy challenges are businesses in India facing, and how can they proactively address these issues?

    Nikhil Jhanji: The rise of Generative AI brings new data privacy challenges like uncontrolled data processing, bias, and regulatory uncertainty.

    1. Managing AI-linked Data: AI models process vast datasets, raising risks of data exposure and consent violations. Enterprises must enforce strict governance, anonymization, and purpose limitations.
    2. Regulatory Preparedness: With DPDP compliance evolving, businesses must embed privacy controls, conduct AI risk assessments, and ensure transparency to stay audit-ready.

    TAM: How can Indian organizations balance customer trust, compliance requirements, and technological innovation while safeguarding sensitive data in a globalized digital ecosystem?

    Nikhil Jhanji: Indian organizations must balance customer trust, compliance, and innovation by embedding privacy by design while staying agile in a dynamic regulatory landscape.

    1. Quick Wins and Compliance First: Prioritizing immediate, high-impact compliance actions like automated consent management and audit readiness ensures faster DPDP alignment.
    2. Tailored to Your Operating Model: A flexible privacy framework that aligns with business workflows ensures compliance without disrupting innovation.
    3. Future-Proof and Adaptable: Leveraging privacy automation and tooling along-side transformation of  processes and people  enables long-term compliance while staying ahead of evolving regulations

    TAM: What role do industry leaders see for collaborative efforts between private organizations and government bodies in strengthening India’s data privacy framework in the coming years?

    Nikhil Jhanji: The consultative approach taken on the current draft DPDP rules is a promising step toward collaborative governance in India’s data privacy landscape.

    1. Industry-Government Dialogue: Ongoing consultations allow businesses to contribute to practical, scalable compliance frameworks that balance innovation with regulatory rigor.
    2. Standardization & Best Practices: Co-developing interoperable consent models, sector-specific guidelines, and privacy automation standards will streamline compliance.

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