Rules for cross border data movement must be clear, reciprocated by other nations: Former IT minister RS Prasad

Rules for data movement across the globe must be clearly laid and be reciprocated by other countries, Ravi Shankar Prasad, former minister for communication, IT and law, has said.

Speaking at a recent webinar hosted by the on new dimensions in law & role of technology hosted by Society of Indian Law Firms and industry body CII, the lawmaker said, “I do acknowledge the implicit need for data movement in the corporate globe to keep digital commerce intact. But the ground rule of that movement must be clearly laid”.

Prasad is credited with laying the foundations of India's Personal Data Protection Bill, which was drafted during his tenure as the IT minister. Highlighting the need for transparent and reciprocal measures on the matter, he said that there must be reciprocity in data sharing in the world and India must never compromise on its digital sovereignty.


On the increased role of digitisation across law firms and other organizations in the legal field, Prasad noted that the move would result in increased efficiencies and would enable the concerned organisations to operate in a more efficient manner.

“This, may, in turn, enable managements to monitor internal capacities and capabilities of their organisation and optimize overhead costs,” said the former minister.

Justice Navin Sinha, former Judge of the Supreme Court, noted that as on date, a litigant does not understand much about the case and is just a standing party in the courtroom.

“The dialogue takes place between the judge and the lawyer. This needs to change and if technology can, it must help us do so,” Sinha said, noting how digitising of the legal process could democratise the process by deeper engagement from litigants.