Why in News?
India is exploring the establishment of a Data Embassy in the United Arab Emirates, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at ensuring data continuity, security, and sovereignty abroad.
Description:
Key Terms:
- Data Embassy: Secure data infrastructure located abroad but under the legal jurisdiction of the home country.
- Data Sovereignty: Principle that data is subject to the laws of the country where the data owner resides.
- Digital Continuity: Ability of governments to function digitally during crises.
What is Proposed:
- Setting up Indian data centres in UAE territory
- Operate under India’s laws and jurisdiction, not UAE’s
- Access limited to India and authorised Indian representatives
Rationale:
- Protection against cyber-attacks, natural disasters, geopolitical disruptions
- Secure backup of critical government data (financial, public records)
- Ensures continuity of essential digital government services
Background & Global Examples:
- Estonia (2017): First data embassy in Luxembourg
- Monaco (2021): Data embassy in Luxembourg
- Model used sparingly due to complex sovereignty and regulatory issues
India’s Position:
- Discussions underway between India and UAE under mutually recognised sovereignty arrangements
- India acknowledges data sovereignty concerns and regulatory challenges
- Not a traditional embassy; no diplomatic status
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