UPSC Mains 2018 GS3 Q19 — Cyber Security
Data security has assumed significant importance in the digitized world due to rising cyber crimes. The Justice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Report addresses issues related to data security. What, in your view, are the strengths and weaknesses of the Report relating to protection of personal data in cyber space? (Answer in 250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- What, in your view, are
- Scope keywords
- Data securityJustice B. N. Srikrishna Committee Reportprotection of personal datacyber spacerising cyber crimes
- Implicit sub-parts
- Briefly contextualize the need for the Srikrishna Committee (Data as the new oil vs. Right to Privacy/Puttaswamy judgment).
- Analyze the structural strengths of the report's recommendations (fiduciary relationship, data localization, enforcement).
- Analyze the structural weaknesses or criticisms (state surveillance exemptions, vagueness of 'critical data', impact on ease of doing business).
- Evaluate the report's relevance in the context of the subsequent Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too many words on general cybercrime statistics instead of focusing specifically on the Srikrishna Committee recommendations.
- Confusing the 2018 Committee Report recommendations with the final 2023 DPDP Act; the question specifically asks for a critique of the Report.
- Failing to mention the concept of 'Data Fiduciary' and 'Data Principal', which were the foundational pillars of the report.
- Ignoring the 'State' vs 'Individual' balance—specifically how the report was criticized for giving the government too much power via exemptions.
- Dimensions required
- Legal/Jurisprudential (Right to Privacy)Economic (Data localization and the tech industry)Governance (The Data Protection Authority)Security (State sovereignty vs. cyber surveillance)
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30-40 words for the introduction connecting the report to the Puttaswamy judgment. Spend 80-90 words each on the 'Strengths' and 'Weaknesses' sections to ensure balanced critical evaluation. Use the remaining 30-40 words for a conclusion that links the report's legacy to current data protection laws in India.
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