Data protection

In the news

• Transport Ministry seeks CERT-In audit of VAHAN, SARATHI portals after data sale reports 25 October 2026 · The Hindu

  Your name, address and phone number for ₹5 or less: how did India's vehicle database leak into apps?

• SBI finds 3,897 customer records on the dark web; DPDP breach duties start only in 2027 22 October 2026 · The Hindu

  India's largest bank told the markets about a leak. Why is it not yet legally bound to tell its customers?

• How the EU plans to keep children under 15 off social media 21 September 2026 · The Hindu

  Australia banned it for under-16s. Now Europe moves. Should India?

Key facts

• MoRTH asked CERT-In for a forensic audit of the VAHAN, SARATHI, e-Challan and PUCC portals after reports of vehicle-owner data being sold online. (25 October 2026)
• An NIC RTI reply showed 25,314 credentials issued to private entities and about 1.708 crore queries from January 2024 to September 2026. (25 October 2026)
• SBI disclosed on 21 October 2026 that 3,897 customer records with personal data were found among about 3.75 lakh records leaked on the dark web. (22 October 2026)
• The alerts came on 16 October 2026 from SBI's threat intelligence provider, the Defence Cyber Agency and CERT-In. (22 October 2026)
• Australia's law barring under-16s from major social media platforms took effect in December 2025. (21 September 2026)
• India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 requires verifiable parental consent to process the data of anyone under 18. (21 September 2026)

Previous-year questions

1. 2026 · GS3 · 10 marks Explain how fake news and disinformation pose threat to Internal Security and Public Order in Indian context? In this regard, discuss salient features of amendments in respect of Information Technology (Intermediatory…
2. 2025 · GS2 · 15 marks The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has to address the challenges faced by children in the digital era. Examine the existing policies and suggest measures the Commission can initiate to tackle the…
3. 2024 · GS3 · 10 marks Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
4. 2024 · GS3 · 15 marks Social media and encrypting messaging services pose a serious security challenge. What measures have been adopted at various levels to address the security implications of social media? Also suggest any other remedies…
5. 2023 · GS1 · 10 marks Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialization of children.
6. 2022 · GS3 · 15 marks What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.
7. 2017 · GS2 · 15 marks Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy.
8. 2017 · Essay Social media is inherently a selfish medium
9. 2024 · Prelims Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy? (a) Article 15 (b) Article 16 (c) Article 19 (d) Article 21