Q.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?
How to approach: Identify every sub-question in the prompt, allocate dedicated sub-headings to each part, substantiate points with examples/data, and conclude with a forward-looking Way Forward.
Practice & AI Tools for This Question
Wrote an answer to this PYQ? Check it with Vision AI in 3 mins or generate custom mind maps.
Introduction
With cybercrimes in India rising sharply—from 44,546 cases in 2017 to 50,035 in 2020 according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)—the need for a robust data protection framework has become critical. In response, the Government of India constituted the Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee, which submitted its landmark report in 2018, laying the foundation for personal data protection in India's cyberspace.
Body Analysis
Strengths of the Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee Report
- Comprehensive Data Protection Framework: The report outlines a detailed framework governing data processing, storage, and transfer, making it uniformly applicable to both public and private entities.
- Empowerment of User Rights: It places strong emphasis on individual rights over personal data, introducing rights such as access, correction, and the "right to be forgotten" (erasure), giving citizens greater agency over their digital footprints.
- Focus on Consent and Transparency: It mandates that data collection must be based on informed consent, requiring data fiduciaries to provide clear, accessible information regarding how data will be utilized.
- Data Localization Mandate: The report advocates storing sensitive personal data locally within India. This ensures sovereign jurisdiction over critical data, facilitating easier legal and security interventions.
- Independent Regulatory Body: It recommends establishing an independent Data Protection Authority (DPA) to monitor compliance, investigate breaches, and enforce data laws.
- Accountability and Liability: The framework introduces mandatory data breach notifications to the DPA and proposes strict financial penalties for non-compliance, alongside provisions for compensating affected individuals.
Weaknesses of the Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee Report
- Ambiguity in Data Localization: The report lacks precise guidelines on what specific categories of data must be localized, creating compliance uncertainty for multinational corporations operating in India.
- Economic Burden on Startups: Mandatory data localization and compliance requirements could significantly increase operational costs, potentially hurting early-stage startups and small enterprises.
- Broad Exemptions for Government Agencies: The report allows wide exemptions for state agencies on grounds of national security and public order. Critics argue this lacks adequate judicial oversight and could lead to state surveillance, undermining citizen privacy.
- Implementation Complexity: The proposed comprehensive regulations may impose a heavy compliance burden on smaller businesses. Additionally, its suggested phased implementation could lead to prolonged regulatory uncertainty.
- Restrictions on Cross-Border Data Flows: Tight restrictions on international data transfers could disrupt global business operations, particularly in India's IT-BPM and e-commerce sectors, and potentially trigger trade disputes.
- Neglect of Emerging Technologies: The report does not provide specific, detailed guidance on how data protection principles apply to rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Conclusion
The Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee Report represents a major milestone in India's journey toward securing its digital ecosystem. While its focus on user consent, transparency, and accountability is highly commendable, addressing the loopholes regarding state exemptions, localization costs, and emerging technologies is vital to creating a balanced framework that protects privacy without stifling digital innovation.
Question Specifications, Marking Rubric & Syllabus Mapping
| Examination & Year | UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination 2018 (Question 3) |
|---|---|
| Paper & Syllabus Topic | General Studies Paper III — Economy, Environment, S&T & Security → Internal Security, Cyber & Border Management |
| Marks, Word Limit & Ideal Time | 15 Marks • 250 Words • Ideal Writing Time: 11–12 Minutes |
| Directive Word & Core Demand | Analytical / Multi-Dimensional: Address all explicit sub-parts of the question with balanced arguments, factual illustrations, and a solution-oriented conclusion. |
| Recommended Structure Split | Intro: ~30–35 Words • Body: ~175 Words (4–5 sub-headings + diagram/data) • Way Forward: ~35–40 Words |
| AI Practice & Evaluation Tools | Upload Handwritten Answer for 3-Min Vision AI Evaluation | Generate Custom Answer & Mind Map |
Related & Repeated UPSC Mains PYQs (6)
Past UPSC Mains questions connected to this node in the 3D PYQ Realm knowledge graph.
Cyber warfare is considered by some defense analysts to be a larger threat than even Al Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same.
Considering the threats cyberspace poses for the country, India needs a “Digital Armed Forces” to prevent crimes. Critically evaluate the National Cyber Security Policy, 2013 outlining the challenges perceived in its effective implementation.
Use of internet and social media by non-state actors for subversive activities is a major security concern. How have these been misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to curb the above threat.
What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India
Indian government has recently strengthed the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful activities (Prevention) Act, (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organisations.
Discuss different types of cyber crimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace
More UPSC Mains PYQs on Internal Security (GS3)
Build comprehensive topical mastery across Internal Security, Cyber & Border Management by practicing these related UPSC Mains questions.
Explain how narco-terrorism has emerged as a serious threat across the country. Suggest suitable measures to counter narco-terrorism.
Describe the context and salient features of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
India has a long and troubled border with China and Pakistan fraught with contentious issues. Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme.
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 to address the problem.
Winning of Hearts and Minds’ in terrorism-affected areas is an essential step in restoring the trust of the population. Discuss the measures adopted by the Government in this respect as part of the conflict resolution in Jammu and Kashmir.
Analyze the major challenges in effective border management in India, particularly focusing on cross-border crimes, illegal migration, and infrastructural deficits. Suggest measures to strengthen India's border security framework.
Frequently Asked Questions — UPSC Mains 2018 GS3 (Internal Security)
How should I structure the answer for this UPSC Mains 2018 GS Paper III question on Internal Security?
This 2018 GS Paper III question carries 15 marks with a 250-word limit and uses the "Analytical / Multi-Dimensional" directive. Identify every sub-question in the prompt, allocate dedicated sub-headings to each part, substantiate points with examples/data, and conclude with a forward-looking Way Forward. Follow the ideal word split (Intro: ~30–35 Words • Body: ~175 Words (4–5 sub-headings + diagram/data) • Way Forward: ~35–40 Words) and aim to finish within 11–12 Minutes.
Which UPSC Mains syllabus topic does this 2018 question belong to?
This question is part of General Studies Paper III — Economy, Environment, S&T & Security under the syllabus module "Internal Security, Cyber & Border Management". You can explore all repeated questions from Internal Security in Acme AI's 3D PYQ Realm or filter all Internal Security PYQs on the Mains PYQ Directory.
How can I get my handwritten answer to this 2018 GS3 PYQ evaluated by AI?
Write your answer on standard UPSC margin sheets, scan it as a PDF or image, and click "Evaluate My Answer (AI)" on this page to open Acme AI's Vision Transformer evaluator (/upsc-answer-evaluation?subject=GS3). It evaluates your structure, directive alignment, diagrams/maps, and handwriting presentation in under 3 minutes with 99% human-examiner accuracy (20 free credits on signup).
Can I generate a custom mind map or Hindi model answer for this question?
Yes. Click "Generate Answer & Mind Map" on this page to open Acme AI's Answer Generator (/gen-ans) with this exact 2018 GS3 question pre-filled. You can generate custom topper-grade answers with embedded Mermaid flowcharts and mind maps in either English or Hindi.
AI-Powered Mains Mastery Suite
Turn Passive PYQ Reading into Active Answer Writing
Evaluate your handwritten UPSC Mains answers in 3 minutes with Vision AI or generate custom model answers with mind maps.
AI UPSC Mains Answer Evaluation
Practice writing any PYQ on paper and upload your handwritten scan (PDF or image) for instant, rubric-aligned UPSC examiner feedback.
- Direct Pixel Vision AI (Not Flat OCR): Evaluates your handwritten diagrams, maps, flowcharts, and spatial presentation
- 99% Human-Examiner Accuracy: Pinpoints missing dimensions, directive-word drift, and value-addition opportunities
- All Papers & 18 Optionals: Covers GS 1–4, Essay, Anthropology, PSIR, Sociology, Geography, History & more in English & Hindi
- Annotated Copy + Topper Benchmark: Visual margin ticks, remarks, and matched topper copy comparisons
AI UPSC Answer Generator & Mind Maps
Generate topper-grade model answers for any UPSC PYQ, current affairs editorial, or mock question—complete with visual mind maps and flowcharts.
- Embedded Mind Maps & Flowcharts: Automatically builds visual diagrams you can replicate in the exam hall for +1.5 extra marks
- Strict Directive & Word Discipline: Calibrated for 150-word (10M), 250-word (15M), and 1000-word Essay structures
- Committee, SC & Data Citations: Enriches body paragraphs with 2nd ARC, NITI Aayog, Constitutional Articles, and SDG hooks
- Auto-Matched Topper Copies & PYQs: Every generated answer links to similar past UPSC questions and ranker scripts
Join the Acme Mains Program (AMP 2027 — 45 Tests) or 1-on-1 Personal Mentorship with Avinash Sir.