The Policy Wrap: South Korea approves rules on app store law targeting Apple & Google, US bodies push back on Data Protection Bill, and more
The Policy Wrap is ADIF’s weekly newsletter on all things policy in the Indus Valley Ecosystem and beyond. Share your feedback and comments with us at amanat@adif.in
Data Protection
Minister of State, Electronics and Information Technology (MoS IT): Studying inputs, won’t rush with tabling draft Data Protection Bill
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is studying the inputs it has received on the draft Data Protection Bill and will not rush with the tabling of the Bill in Parliament, as per the Minister of State for Information Technology Rajeev Chandrasekhar.
He said the government was “clear and steadfast” on the need for the Bill to act as an enabler of the digital ecosystem while speaking at the NIC Tech Conclave 2022. He also added that “We would rather come up with legislations that are future proof and that are a catalyst and create more fuel to startup success, rather than go by an artificial timeline, and create problems for our entrepreneurs and startups going forward.”
US bodies push back on Data Protection Bill, seek new working group
Trade and industry bodies as well as some tech companies from the United States have initiated talks with senior government officials in India to form a new working group to discuss issues related to the Data Protection Bill and other newer developments in India’s technology sector.
The main problems, which have been highlighted by these trade and industry bodies, as well as the companies, are regarding certain provisions of the Bill such as insistence on local storage of data and restrictions on cross-border flow of data.
A senior executive working with a big tech company commented on the issue stating that, “With data localisation, one main issue is that India does not yet have large to very large data centres. Small data centres are not very cost-effective and do not meet the safety norms of the companies. There needs to be more discussion on the issue.”
Competition Commission of India (CCI)
CCI dismisses claims against e-commerce platforms Shopee and Amazon
CCI has dismissed allegations of predatory pricing against the e-commerce platform Shopee by CAIT who stated that Shopee’s deep discounting tactics, were aimed at attracting a large base of customers and consumer preference data which the company could use to its advantage.
CCI also dismissed complaints filed against Amazon on grounds that the US-based company and its related parties were using unfair trade practices to conduct business on the platform.
E-Commerce
India suggests holding discussions at World Trade Organisation (WTO) on the role of e-commerce in the pandemic
India has suggested convening a meeting under the aegis of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to discuss the role of e-commerce during the pandemic.
Ambassador of India to the WTO Brajendra Navnit said:
“India suggests holding a discussion on the role of e-commerce during the time of the pandemic. Within the boundaries of every country, there may have been positive examples. But did international e-commerce play a big role? It will be good to hear member experiences specifically linked to cross border trade.”
India has also been a votary of rejuvenation of the work programme on e-commerce and has also asked that the Council for Trade in Goods, Council for Trade in Services, Council for TRIPS and Committee for Trade and Development should take up discussions on e-commerce as per their mandate.
App Store Ecosystem
South Korea approves rules on app store law targeting Apple, Google
South Korea approved detailed rules for a law banning dominant app store operators such as Apple Inc and Alphabet’s Google from forcing software developers to use their payments systems, the country’s telecommunications regulator said on Tuesday.
The rules, referred to as enforcement ordinance, state the law bars "the act of forcing a specific payment method to a provider of mobile content". The rules also bar actions such as unfairly delaying reviews of mobile content, as well as refusing, delaying, or limiting the registration, renewal, or inspection of content that uses third-party payment systems.
App store ecosystem needs to be regulated by the government: Matrimony.com
In an interview with the Hindu Business Line, Chairman and Managing Director, Murugavel Janakiraman of Matrimony.com said that the app ecosystem needs to be managed by a regulator similar to how TRAI manages telecom companies.
He added that:
“At present, most of the digital business is happening through the app ecosystem and it’s not open or free, it is controlled by Google and Apple. They can delist any app randomly just like what happened with Paytm. I think such scenarios needs to be managed by some common policy and regulations.”
Government Schemes/Initiatives
Rajeev Chandrasekhar attends India Global Forum (IGF) at Bengaluru
IGF is the agenda-setting forum for international business and global leaders. It offers a selection of platforms that international corporates and policymakers can leverage to interact with stakeholders in their sectors and geographies of strategic importance
Prior to the event, he stated that, “India is in midst of a major transformation, and expansion of its economy… Digital and tech opportunities are leading the transformation and India's 'Techade'.The India Global Forum, Bengaluru will provide a platform to dive deep into this Techade of - The New India Inc.”
The Minister is slated to have met with the founders and CEOs of 30 unicorns during the event. Speaking at the event he brushed aside concerns of global technology companies on the proposed Data Protection Bill, adding the legislation would be “supportive of the startup ecosystem and protect consumer rights at the same time”. He also added that, asserted that his government would not create legislation that slowed down the startup momentum of India even “one inch” as it was poised to become the “biggest startup ecosystem”.
Over the last 6 months, the Minister has been actively meeting and interacting with the startups across the country and providing them full support from the Government.
PM is committed to making India a global data centre hub
Union Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Mr. Rajeev Chandrashekar visited Microsoft’s Hyderabad centre where he stated that India has become one of the world’s most vibrant startup ecosystem and the Central Government is making India's startup and digital economy grow faster than ever before.
He also added, “The rapid rate of digitization is going to pose both challenges as well as opportunities. To tap the opportunities, we at MeitY, are working as per MeitY’s 1000 Day Vision plan. Data Centres are an important element of our Digital ecosystem that is soon going to be the best in the world. We are conducting consultations with all stakeholders for a New National Data Centre Policy. PM Narendra Modi is committed to make India a Global Data Centre Hub.”
Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog joins hands with Snap Inc
Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog today announced their partnership with Snap Inc. to drive Augmented Reality (AR) skilling among the Indian youth.
Snap Inc. also announced its partnership with the Atal Incubation Centers (AICs) to support the Indian start-up ecosystem with AR advertising bootcamps, ad credits and other opportunities.
With inputs from The Quantum Hub.