India unveils data-sharing framework to advance AI while safeguarding privacy

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has unveiled the Handbook on Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) for AI Training, a comprehensive framework designed to facilitate responsible data sharing for machine learning development. The initiative, unveiled by MeitY Secretary S Krishnan, addresses a critical gap in India's AI ecosystem by establishing standardized protocols for data access while maintaining robust privacy safeguards.

The DEPA framework represents an effort to unlock India's data potential for artificial intelligence advancement without compromising individual privacy rights. By creating clear guidelines for data sharing between organizations, researchers, and AI developers, the handbook provides a structured approach to overcome existing regulatory uncertainty that has hindered AI innovation in the country.

The framework is expected to accelerate AI research and development across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, and financial services, where data-driven solutions could address significant societal challenges. By establishing transparent data-sharing mechanisms with appropriate consent and protection mechanisms, the initiative seeks to position India as a competitive hub for AI development while maintaining stringent privacy standards.

Government officials indicated that the handbook would serve as a foundational document for organizations seeking to responsibly leverage data for AI training purposes. The framework is intended to encourage collaboration between public institutions, private sector entities, and startups while ensuring compliance with existing data protection regulations.