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India charts path to unlock data potential for AI while safeguarding privacy

New Delhi has unveiled a proposed framework aimed at creating secure environments where artificial intelligence developers can access data for training purposes without compromising individual privacy. The initiative could unlock substantial economic value for the country's digital economy over the coming decade.

LSN India · 30 October 2026

India charts path to unlock data potential for AI while safeguarding privacy

The Indian government has introduced a draft framework designed to balance the dual imperatives of harnessing data for artificial intelligence development and protecting citizen privacy. Known as the Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA), the proposal outlines mechanisms for establishing secure data environments where AI training can proceed without exposing sensitive personal information.

According to projections accompanying the framework, unlocking India's data resources for AI applications could generate approximately $500 billion in economic value by 2030. This potential economic windfall reflects the growing recognition that data access represents a critical competitive advantage in the global artificial intelligence race.

The DEPA framework emphasizes privacy safeguards as a cornerstone of its approach, proposing technical and governance measures to ensure that data used for AI training remains protected from misuse. The model aims to create controlled environments where developers can train algorithms on larger datasets while maintaining strict protocols around data security and individual consent.

The proposal represents India's attempt to position itself as a jurisdiction that can simultaneously foster innovation and protect citizen interests. As countries worldwide grapple with regulating AI development, India's framework offers a middle-ground approach that could serve as a model for other emerging economies seeking to capitalize on their data advantages while maintaining public trust.