Q. India should ensure the growth of the digital economy while keeping personal data of citizens secure and protected.
No one will innovate in a surveillance-oriented environment or in a place where an individual’s personal information is compromised. The ultimate control of data must reside with the individuals who generate it; they should be enabled to use, restrict or monetise it as they wish. Therefore, data protection laws should enable the right kind of innovation one that is user-centric and privacy protecting.
Q. Based on the above passage, the following assumptions have been made :
1. Protection of privacy is not just a right, but it has value to the economy.
2. There is a fundamental link between privacy and innovation.
Which of the above assumptions is/are valid ?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Question from UPSC Prelims 2023 CSAT
Model Answer:
Q1: Correct Answer – (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation –
The passage clearly states that the growth of the digital economy should not compromise the personal data of citizens, implying that privacy has economic value. It also mentions that innovation will not occur in an environment where personal information is compromised, suggesting a link between privacy and innovation. Therefore, both assumptions are valid.