*The Big Techs are trying to assess the potential impacts of the proposed Digital India Act on their operations, revenue, and intellectual property among other considerations in the country’s digital ecosystem

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The global techonoly giants, for several months, have expressed opposition to the Data Protection Bill, but their efforts came to naught when the Indian Government abruptly withdrew it earlier this month, according to report.

ConsumerConnect gathered with the Digital India Act (DIA) in the pipeline now, these transnational tech companies, such as Google, Meta, Twitter and Amazon, are trying to assess the potential impact of the imminent legislation on their operations, revenue, intellectual property and more.

The government is planning to introduce the DIA in the winter session of parliament, report noted.

Subsequently, these global technology firms have approached legal and technology experts to determine how the upcoming Digital India Act will affect their operations,   ET report said.

The tech giant also approach the experts to help them to pre-empt any likely conflict with the Indian Government when the proposed Digital Act is activated.

Why the proposed DIA?

It was learnt the proposed legislation seeks to cover the entire digital ecosystem, from social media and streaming platforms to apps, blockchains and the Metaverse.

The Act could also empower the Indian Government to block a Twitter handle, or Facebook page for 24 hours, if it is deemed to be spreading misinformation or inciting violence among the populace.

Besides, the new regulatory framework will impact large tech companies, such as Google, Meta, Twitter, and Amazon, according to experts.

Potential effects on firms and consumers

In respect of the likely implications of the DIA regime in the country’s digital ecosystem, these Big Techs are also looking to analyse the potential impact the proposed law would have on their intellectual property and revenue.

Under DIA, Indian users would be able to give specific permissions to various apps they use, and then, take away that permission.

They would also be able to ask apps not to save their data or not use their personal data for any other purpose, which could reduce revenues of these apps, experts said.