MeitY Launches DEPA Handbook for Responsible Use of Data in AI Training

Current development

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched a Handbook on Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) for AI Training at a roundtable in Bengaluru on 31 October 2026, with support from the iSPIRT Foundation. The handbook focuses on consent artefacts and ways to enable data use for artificial-intelligence training while protecting individuals’ control over their data.

What is DEPA?

DEPA is a framework intended to let people share data through standardised, purpose-specific consent mechanisms. A consent artefact can record who is requesting data, for what purpose, for how long and under what conditions. In an AI-training context, such structures can make permissions more legible and auditable and can support responsible data access for innovation.

A handbook is guidance, not a substitute for legislation or a blanket permission to reuse personal data. Organisations still need a valid legal basis, clear notice, appropriate safeguards, limited retention and processes for handling complaints and withdrawal where applicable. Consent should be informed and meaningful; a digital form alone does not guarantee that a person understands the consequences of sharing data or has a genuine choice.

Policy importance

India faces a dual challenge: enabling useful AI research and services while preventing privacy violations, discriminatory outcomes and unauthorised reuse. Clear standards for provenance, consent, security, accountability and redress can help build public trust. The framework’s success will depend on implementation, interoperability and whether people can exercise their rights in practice.

UPSC relevance

GS III: Artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure and data governance. GS II: Privacy, citizen rights and regulatory capacity. Analyse the balance between innovation and data protection, and distinguish a voluntary handbook from binding statutory obligations.

Source: Press Information Bureau, MeitY launch of DEPA Handbook for AI Training, 31 October 2026.