IMC 2018: Digitisation is important but won't compromise on data integrity, says Ravi Shankar Prasad

IT and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday said that India is in the process of finalising data protection law and supports digitisation without any compromise on data integrity.

Prasad also stated that the Indian market represented a large footfall for social media companies like Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. (Image: PTI)

India Mobile Congress 2018: IT and Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday said that India is in the process of finalising data protection law and supports digitisation without any compromise on data integrity. While speaking at the inaugural session of India Mobile Congress 2018, Prasad pointed out the substantial growth of mobile penetration and manufacturing in the country, backed by the rising base of smartphone users and access to high-speed internet across the country. "India's mobile story is finding global resonance," the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker said. Prasad also stated that the Indian market represented a large footfall for social media companies like Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. Stating that Indians have appetite for content in local languages, Prasad said that more and more solutions need to be focused on regional languages. He emphasised that India needs technology that "finds a connect with the common man." Prasad also spoke about the issues pertaining to data privacy and the recent crisis in its security. He said that it needs to be tackled for sustained user growth as data is the new oil and asset for the country. The senior BJP leader also said that increase in smartphone penetration across the country has empowered citizens, while adding that India has the highest mobile density in the world. While concluding his speech, Prasad emphasised on the need to expedite emerging technologies and assured that the government will make best of its efforts towards a smoother implementation of modern science and technology. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India along with COAI organised the second edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) which will continue till October 27 in the national capital. The event aims at building ideas, forging lasting Industry relationships, showcasing leading-edge mobile technology & product trends, manufacturing services, sectoral insights and impactful solutions.