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5 of 8|Significant Data Fiduciary (SDF)
video 15 min•SDF Framework
Independent Audit
The requirement to hire an external auditor.
🎯 Learning Objectives
- ▸ Understand the independent audit requirement
- ▸ Learn what the audit covers
The Independent Auditor
The DPDPA requires SDFs to undergo a data audit once every year (or as prescribed). This audit must be conducted by an independent auditor—not an internal employee or a firm with a conflict of interest.
The auditor will review policies, security measures, consent mechanisms, and grievance redressal processes.
📖 Glossary
- Data Auditor
- An independent expert appointed by an SDF to evaluate its compliance with the DPDPA.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- SDFs must appoint an independent data auditor.
- The audit verifies compliance with the DPDPA.
- The audit report must be submitted to the Data Protection Board.
📚 Further Reading
- DPDPA Section 10(2)(b) — Government of India (2023)
Course Author
Shilpi Kulshrestha
Shilpi is a corporate lawyer with over a decade of experience in data protection, company law, and regulatory compliance. She has advised 50+ startups and enterprises on DPDPA readiness, privacy gover...