Composition
Who makes up the Data Protection Board?
🎯 Learning Objectives
- ▸ Understand the composition of the Board
- ▸ Learn the qualifications required for the Chairperson
The Authority
The DPDPA established the Data Protection Board of India (DPB) to enforce the Act. Unlike other regulators (like SEBI or RBI), the DPB is a digital-first regulator. It operates primarily online.
The Board consists of a Chairperson and such number of other members as the Central Government may determine. The appointment is made by the Central Government.
Qualifications
The Chairperson must have at least 10 years of experience in data protection, law, technology, or public administration. The members must have expertise in law, data protection, cyber security, or related fields.
📖 Glossary
- Quasi-Judicial
- A body that has some of the powers of a court (like hearing evidence and passing orders) but is not part of the traditional judiciary.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- The Board is a quasi-judicial body.
- The Chairperson must have at least 10 years of experience in data protection, law, or technology.
- The Board is not bound by the strict procedures of a civil court but follows natural justice.
📚 Further Reading
- DPDPA Section 18 — Government of India (2023)
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...