Kerala unveils draft data policy: Government departments set to monetise internal data

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant move towards data monetisation, the Kerala government’s new draft data policy proposes to allow state departments and public institutions to sell 'internal data' to private entities, including startups and industrial agencies. Prepared by the IT Department during the previous administration's final months, the draft is now open for public consultation.

Strict Safeguards for Privacy

To address privacy concerns, the policy explicitly forbids the sale of raw personal or confidential information. Data must undergo a rigorous anonymization process to ensure individuals cannot be identified before it is shared. While ownership remains with the state, the policy emphasises that the revenue generated will offset the high costs of data collection, storage, and maintenance. Notably, the pricing model is designed for 'cost recovery' rather than profit, and inter-departmental data sharing will remain free.

Economic and governance boost

The draft outlines a framework where data generated via public funding is utilised to foster innovation. By appointing Chief Data Officers and implementing security measures like encryption and audit trails, the government aims to maintain transparency.

The policy highlights six strategic advantages:

1. Enhanced Public Service: Streamlining citizen-centric delivery.
2. Efficient Disaster Management: Using data for predictive and responsive actions.
3. Research Promotion: Providing authentic data for academic and scientific study.
4. Industrial Growth: Fueling the tech sector and startups.
5. Economic Development: Opening new revenue streams and investment opportunities.
6. Effective Governance: Aiding policymakers with data-driven insights.

The policy also mandates a 'Negative List' to protect sensitive information related to national security. While the draft promises a leap into the digital economy, the stance of the current UDF government on implementing these proposals in their current form remains to be seen.