Data Privacy & Protection
Establish a future-ready foundation for DPDP compliance with regulator-aligned data protection frameworks.
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We offer end-to-end privacy advisory from regulatory impact analysis and data governance to consent engineering, privacy assurance, and managed DPO services.
We deliver structured programmes across BFSI, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and e-commerce aligned to the DPDP Act, GDPR, RBI data localisation, SEBI data handling norms, IRDAI policyholder data guidelines, and CERT-In breach reporting. To ensure compliant and scalable privacy programmes for businesses, we leverage our expertise across multiple reporting frameworks, chartered accountancy, legal, and cybersecurity expertise addressing privacy not as an isolated compliance exercise but as a cross-functional business transformation.
Service Areas Within Data Privacy & Protection
DPDP Readiness Review
We conduct DPDP readiness assessments, identify gaps across consent, notices, rights, grievance redressal, and governance, and deliver a remediation roadmap aligned with enforcement timelines.
DPIA & SDF Obligations
We conduct DPIAs for high-risk processing and advise on Significant Data Fiduciary obligations, including DPO appointment, audits, periodic assessments, and DPDP reporting requirements.
DPO / Privacy Governance
We establish DPO functions through advisory, role design, or outsourced services, and implement governance frameworks covering reporting, escalation protocols, and regulatory coordination.
Consent & Rights Management
End-to-end consent lifecycle design covering collection, granularity, withdrawal, and audit trails alongside data principal rights fulfilment for access, correction, erasure, and grievance redressal.
Cross-Border & Regulatory Advisory
We offer advisory on lawful data transfers, restricted jurisdiction analysis, and multi-regulator compliance harmonisation across DPDP Act, GDPR, RBI data localisation, and SEBI data handling circulars.
Privacy Managed Services
We assist businesses with outsourced DPO and privacy programme management including compliance monitoring, breach response, regulatory liaison, vendor assessments, and periodic reviews.
Ascentium Insights
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DPDP Act and which organisations does it apply to?
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 is India’s comprehensive data privacy legislation governing the processing of digital personal data. The DPDP Act applies to every organisation regardless of size or sector. Any organisation that collects, stores, or processes personal data of individuals in India falls in the category. Entities outside India are also covered if they process data of Indian data principals in connection with offering goods or services.
When does DPDP Act enforcement begin? How should companies approach it?
Enforcement is expected by mid-2027 with the government issuing subordinate rules in phases. Organisations should begin with a regulatory impact analysis, followed by data mapping, consent mechanism redesign, and privacy policy updates. A phased 9-18 month implementation approach is recommended.
How does the DPDP Act compare to GDPR?
While both laws protect personal data, they differ in scope and enforcement. Key distinctions include the DPDP Act’s consent-centric model, the role of the Data Protection Board (vs. supervisory authorities under GDPR), differing data principal rights, and India-specific provisions for government data processing.
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What penalties apply for non-compliance under the DPDP Act?
The DPDP Act prescribes maxium penalties of up to INR 250 crore for breaches including failure to implement reasonable security safeguards, non-compliance with data principal rights, and breaches of consent requirements. The penalties are based on breach nature, organisational response, and impact on data principals.
Is a Data Protection Officer required under the DPDP Act?
Every Significant Data Fiduciary must appoint a Data Protection Officer based in India who serves as the primary point of contact for the Data Protection Board and Data Principals. Even the organisations not classified as Significant Data Fiduciary benefit from designating a DPO or engaging outsourced DPO services. Our privacy managed services model provides certified DPO services without the hassle of hiring, covering compliance monitoring, breach response, and regulatory interactions.
What does a Privacy Impact Assessment involve?
A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) systematically evaluates how a project, system, or vendor engagement, collects, processes, and protects personal data. It identifies risks and recommends mitigations before issues arise. Under the DPDP Act, Significant Data Fiduciaries must conduct periodic Data Protection Impact Assessments. We recommend PIAs for new product launches, technology migrations, vendor onboarding, and M&A transactions. Assessments must align with DPDP Act requirements, GDPR Article 35, and ISO 29134 methodology and we can assist you there.
How do we handle cross-border data transfers while staying compliant?
The DPDP Act permits transfers to the countries not on the government’s restricted list. Organisations must assess destination jurisdictions, implement contractual safeguards, maintain transfer records, and ensure adequate security measures at the receiving end. For GDPR-covered data, additional mechanisms such as Standard Contractual Clauses or adequacy decisions apply. We can design transfer frameworks that satisfy both Indian and international requirements while enabling operational flexibility.
Which sectors face the highest data privacy compliance burden?
BFSI, healthcare, e-commerce, edtech, and technology companies face the most intensive compliance requirements due to the volume and sensitivity of personal data they process. Additionally, RBI has issued data localisation norms, SEBI mandates data handling controls for market intermediaries, and IRDAI regulates policyholder data. Our sector-specific implementation playbooks address these overlapping regulatory obligations in an integrated manner.
How long does a DPDP compliance programme take?
Implementation typically spans 9 to 18 months depending on organisational complexity, data volume, and existing privacy maturity. Our phased approach covers:
Phase 1: Regulatory impact analysis and data mapping (2-3 months)
Phase 2: Consent redesign and policy development (3-4 months)
Phase 3: Rights automation and vendor compliance (3-4 months)
Phase 4: Continuous monitoring and assurance readiness (ongoing)
Early movers gain competitive advantage in customer trust and investor confidence.
What are differentiating factors of Data Privacy Advisory services at Ascentium India?
We combine our chartered accountancy, legal, and cybersecurity expertise with FCA, CISA, CDPSE, LLB, and DSCI Certified DPOs. This cross-functional lens enables us to address privacy as a business transformation, not as an isolated compliance task. Our 50+ privacy programme track record cover industries like BFSI, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. We bring deep Indian regulatory knowledge across DPDP Act, RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, and CERT-In, along with international frameworks such as GDPR and ISO 27701.
