Article
Bridging The Regulatory Gap: Artificial Intelligence, Public Awareness, and International Standards in India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Framework
The rapid expansion of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed the way personal data is collected, processed, and utilized. In India, the emergence of large-scale digital platforms, e-governance systems, and AI-driven services has intensified concerns regarding data privacy, transparency, and accountability. The enactment of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP), 2023 represents a major milestone in India’s attempt to regulate personal data processing and safeguard individual rights. However, the evolving technological landscape, particularly the integration of AI systems into governance, commerce, and social platforms, has created regulatory gaps that require careful policy attention. This paper examines the relationship between artificial intelligence, public awareness, and international regulatory standards within India’s digital personal data protection framework. It explores how AI technologies complicate traditional data protection mechanisms, highlights the importance of informed public participation in privacy protection, and analyzes how global regulatory models such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) influence India’s policy approach. The study adopts a doctrinal and analytical methodology to evaluate legislative provisions, policy initiatives, and international best practices. The findings suggest that while India has made significant progress in establishing a statutory framework for data protection, challenges remain in enforcement capacity, algorithmic accountability, and public literacy regarding data rights. Strengthening institutional mechanisms, aligning domestic regulations with international standards, and expanding digital literacy initiatives can help bridge the regulatory gap. Ultimately, a balanced regulatory ecosystem combining technological innovation, legal safeguards, and citizen awareness is essential for ensuring responsible AI governance and sustainable digital growth in India.