5. India Stack : The Data Layer

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5. India Stack : The Data Layer 

The third and final piece ( after Identity and payment) of the India Stack puzzle focuses on establishing a new model for data governance in India. Enshrined in a policy framework known as the Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA), the ‘data’ layer of India Stack aims to restore the ownership and control over user data to its rightful owners.

DEPA, or the Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture, is a new framework for data governance in India. It aims to give Indian citizens more control over their personal data, and to make it easier for them to share their data with third parties.

The three pillars of DEPA

DEPA is based on three main pillars:

  • A Personal Data Protection Bill, which will give Indian citizens a number of rights over their data, such as the right to access, correct, and delete their data.

  • An electronic consent artefact, which will be used to capture user consent to share their data with third parties.

  • A new category of regulated entities known as "consent managers," which will be responsible for facilitating the sharing of data between individuals and institutions.

The Account Aggregator framework

The Account Aggregator framework is one of the key components of DEPA. Account aggregators will act as "traffic cops" in the data value chain, helping to ensure that data is shared securely and efficiently. They will also provide a single point of access for individuals to manage their consent to share their data.

The benefits of DEPA

DEPA has the potential to revolutionize the way data is shared in India. It could make it easier for individuals to access financial services, get better healthcare, and make more informed decisions about their lives.

Here are some of the benefits of DEPA:

  • It gives Indian citizens more control over their personal data.

  • It makes it easier for individuals to share their data with third parties.

  • It could help to improve access to financial services, healthcare, and other important services.

The future of DEPA

DEPA is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to be a major step forward for data governance in India. It has the potential to make data more accessible and useful for individuals, while also protecting their privacy.

Further resources

  • NITI Aayog’s discussion paper on DEPA [Link]

  • A 101 blogpost on DEPA and Account Aggregators [Link]

  • The website of the DigiSahamati Foundation, which is a Collective of the Account Aggregator Ecosystem in India [Link]

  • The Sahamati Youtube channel, which contains a library of masterclasses, presentations and other learning material on DEPA and Account Aggregators