Meta India Head Lauds DPDP Law For Providing Tech Cos Clear Guidelines

Meta India head Sandhya Devanathan said that India’s recently enacted Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) law has established a clear framework for tech companies, striking a balance between safeguarding user interests and fostering innovation.

She emphasised that the company “welcomes constructive regulations” and will wait to see the specifics of the rule.

“What DPDP has done is, it has provided a framework for tech companies to operate in and has provided clarity. We are waiting for the rules to get written out. But I would say that this is a great step in balancing user protection with innovations … because that is what will power India techade,” she said.

The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) bill, introduced last year, became law after receiving approval from both houses of the Indian Parliament — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. President Droupadi Murmu subsequently gave her assent, officially enacting the legislation.

Meta views India as a key market with immense potential driven by its robust macroeconomic growth, well-developed digital infrastructure, and the widespread popularity of its apps, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, Devanathan told news agency PTI.

India is one of Meta’s largest user bases worldwide, with 400 Mn Facebook users, and 326.6 Mn Instagram users.

Addressing concerns that Facebook is losing its appeal among teenagers and young adults in important markets, Devanathan insisted that the platform continues to be relevant and attract a diverse user base across all age groups.

Additionally, she noted a rising trend of small businesses utilising Meta’s platforms and tools to establish their online presence and connect with customers.

She also highlighted that Meta India plays a pivotal role in global innovation efforts for the company, serving as both a testing ground and a development hub for new products. She assured that this investment in India will continue.

Devanathan took over the reins as Head and Vice President of Meta India last year, succeeding Ajit Mohan who had resigned from the company in November 2022.

Devanathan spearheads the company’s India operations and looks at strengthening the strategic relationships with the country’s leading brands, creators, advertisers, and partners to drive Meta’s revenue growth in key channels in India.

In India, Meta, like many other tech and social media giants, has found itself entangled in legal disputes with the government. Presently, it is under investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) regarding WhatsApp’s controversial privacy policy update in 2021.

Recently, Meta announced updates to its policy governing posting content related to sexual exploitation across its platforms following a recommendation from the Oversight Board (OB) based on a 2022 video depicting the sexual assault of a tribal woman in India.