Trai proposes formation of an apex body to oversee data digitization issues

TRAI has recommended the formation of the Data Digitization and Monetization Council (DDMC), an apex body to oversee all issues related to data digitization, data sharing, and data monetization in the country. The Authority further suggests that DDMC should also be entrusted with the responsibility of putting in place an overarching framework for the ethical use of data both by the Government as well as by the corporates in India.

As part of recommendations on Regulatory Framework for Promoting Data Economy Through the Establishment of Data Centres, Content Delivery Networks, and Interconnect Exchanges in India, TRAI noted that a statutory body be established at the Centre that will have suitable representation from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information and Technology (MeitY). 

“The proposed body should be entrusted with the responsibility to review and prioritise the avenues which would require more concentrated efforts of data digitization and fix timeframes accordingly. DDMC should also assess the data digitization requirements and define the process framework for use of AI and related technology in data processing, data sharing, and data monetization while ensuring the privacy and security of the data owner. The proposed body should also be entrusted with framing policies and incentivization schemes for data digitalization, data sharing, and data monetization,” said the recommendation note from the telecom regulator.

TRAI at the same time also noted that there should not be “too many statutory bodies,” in the sector. TRAI said, “The Authority is also of opinion that the formation of too many statutory bodies creates confusion for the sector, and organically, this work of steering the data digitization, data sharing, and data monetization can be entrusted to TRAI with suitable modifications in the TRAI Act.”