CDPDT / 01
PRIVACY / TRUST
DIGITAL / INDIA
INITIALISING
RESPONSIBLE DATA
DIGITAL TRUST
PRIVACY BY DESIGN
TRUSTED DIGITAL FUTURE
Council for Data Privacy & Digital Trust
COUNCIL FOR DATA PRIVACY
& DIGITAL TRUST
& DIGITAL TRUST
Privacy First Mindset
Entering the Council
00%
Responsible Data · Digital Trust
Council for Data Privacy & Digital Trust
Privacy First Mindset Digital Trust.
Under the aegis of Emerging Businesses Chamber of Commerce (EBCC)
A collective platform. A shared responsibility. A Privacy First Mindset for a trusted digital future.
Building a trusted digital future
CDPDT
PRIVACY FIRST MINDSET
01
/ SIGNATURE
Explore
Why CDPDT
Privacy. Everywhere.
India’s digital economy is expanding at an unprecedented pace — and with it, the volume, variety and sensitivity of personal data handled by businesses, institutions and professionals across every sector. Data privacy is no longer only a legal or IT concern. It touches leadership, technology, human resources, finance, marketing, customer engagement, academia and every function that collects, processes or uses personal data.
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA), along with India’s evolving data protection framework, is creating an urgent need for practical awareness, skill development, organisational readiness and sustained professional guidance. Yet many organisations — especially SMEs, MSMEs, startups and educational institutions — lack simple, affordable and actionable support to translate legal requirements into responsible day-to-day practices.
CDPDT is built to bridge that gap. We bring together a multidisciplinary community of practitioners, legal professionals, technologists, consultants, corporate leaders, educators and students — united by one belief: privacy is a shared responsibility.
Readiness
Digital Trust
COUNCIL FOR DATA PRIVACY & DIGITAL TRUST
/ WHO WE ARE
01
/ IDENTITY
WHO WE ARE A multidisciplinary professional platform
Privacy First Mindset
Independent · Neutral · Knowledge-led
Independent · Neutral · Knowledge-led
The Council for Data Privacy & Digital Trust (CDPDT) is a multidisciplinary professional platform under the aegis of the Emerging Businesses Chamber of Commerce (EBCC). It is envisaged as an independent, neutral, knowledge-led body committed to advancing data privacy, responsible data use and digital trust across sectors and society.
We recognise that privacy is impacted by both technical and non-technical decisions — and that building a truly privacy-aware ecosystem requires collaboration across disciplines, industries and institutions. CDPDT brings all of these voices into one community.
Our membership spans:
Advocates, lawyers, legal advisors and
privacy practitioners
Data Protection Officers (DPOs), compliance
and governance professionals
Technology, cybersecurity, data, cloud and
AI professionals
Consultants, auditors, trainers and advisory
professionals
Privacy, consent-management, security and
governance solution providers
Corporate leaders and professionals across
HR, finance, marketing, procurement and
operations
Universities, academicians, researchers,
educators and students
Industry associations, institutions and
other stakeholders committed to responsible
data use
CDPDT / DIRECTION & PURPOSE
VISION & MISSION / 02
Our Direction
OUR VISION Privacy as a fundamental value
To foster a Privacy First Mindset and build a trusted digital ecosystem by bringing together professionals, businesses, academia and society to advance awareness, capabilities, responsible data practices and digital trust.
01
OUR VISION
Privacy is a value
We envision an India where privacy is not treated as a compliance checkbox but as a fundamental value embedded in how individuals think, organisations operate and technology is built.
02
OUR MISSION
Knowledge into practice
To create a collaborative platform for awareness, learning, capacity building, research, dialogue and practical handholding that enables individuals and organisations to understand privacy, strengthen skills and progressively build readiness for India’s evolving data protection framework, including the DPDPA 2023.
OUR APPROACH
CONNECT · ENABLE · SUSTAIN
We do this by connecting knowledge with practice — offering structured programmes, accessible resources, expert networks and ongoing community engagement that makes privacy learning practical, relevant and sustainable
Our Philosophy
Privacy First Mindset
Privacy First Mindset means considering privacy from the outset — in strategy, governance, product design, technology architecture, processes, communications and decision-making — rather than treating it as an afterthought or a compliance burden.
CDPDT promotes a culture where privacy is a value that builds trust, enables innovation and strengthens sustainability. It is not about creating fear of regulation — it is about empowering professionals, organisations and institutions to make informed, responsible decisions with data.
When privacy is embedded early and consistently:
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01
Organisations build stronger relationships with customers, employees and partners
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02
Technology products earn greater user confidence
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03
Leaders make better-informed decisions about data risk and governance
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04
Institutions demonstrate a genuine commitment to responsible practices
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05
Regulatory readiness becomes a natural outcome rather than a last-minute effort
Our Five Strategic Pillars
Five pillars. One trusted ecosystem.
CDPDT's work is organised around five interconnected pillars, each designed to address a distinct dimension of the privacy and digital trust landscape.
01 — PILLAR ONE
Awareness & Advocacy
Creating widespread understanding of data privacy, data protection rights and responsibilities across professional and public communities.
- Public campaigns, seminars, conferences and webinars
- Corporate awareness sessions for leadership and functional teams
- Campus outreach at colleges and universities
- Community engagement programmes for MSMEs and startups
- Policy advocacy and engagement with regulators and industry bodies
- Thought-leadership content, op-eds and public commentary
02 — PILLAR TWO
Learning & Capacity Building
Developing practical knowledge, skills and professional capabilities among individuals and organisations across disciplines.
- Workshops, masterclasses and practitioner-led sessions
- Certification programmes for data privacy professionals
- Faculty development and curriculum support for educational institutions
- Continuing professional development resources and toolkits
- Sector-specific learning tracks for legal, technology, HR, finance and compliance communities
- Online and in-person learning formats to maximise accessibility
03 — PILLAR THREE
DPDPA Readiness & Handholding
Providing structured, practical support to help organisations understand and progressively achieve compliance with India's data protection framework.
- DPDPA readiness assessments and gap analysis
- Implementation roadmaps tailored to organisational size and sector
- Privacy-by-design and privacy-by-default guidance
- Templates, self-assessment checklists and policy frameworks
- Consent management and data subject rights support
- Practical guidance on data mapping, notices, retention and grievance handling
- Ongoing support clinics for MSMEs and startups
04 — PILLAR FOUR
Advisory & Knowledge Support
Connecting organisations and professionals with expert guidance, peer knowledge and structured resources when they need it most.
- Helpdesk and knowledge repository for common privacy queries
- Access to an expert network of empanelled legal, technology and governance professionals
- Expert panels and advisory forums for complex or emerging issues
- Communities of practice for peer learning and experience sharing
- Discussion forums and special-interest groups by sector and function
- Regular updates on regulatory developments and global best practices
05 — PILLAR FIVE
Research, Policy & Digital Trust
Generating insights, contributing to informed policy dialogue and building frameworks that strengthen India's digital trust ecosystem.
- Research studies, white papers and industry reports
- Annual State of Data Privacy & Digital Trust in India report
- Dialogue with regulators, policymakers and standards bodies
- Best-practice frameworks for emerging technologies, AI and data governance
- Collaboration with academic institutions and think tanks
- Contributions to national and international privacy discourse
Programmes & Initiatives
Programmes & Initiatives
CDPDT runs a range of structured programmes and community initiatives designed to deliver value across our membership and the broader privacy ecosystem.
Privacy First India
A national awareness and capability-building movement promoting privacy as a shared responsibility and everyday mindset. Through campaigns, events and community engagement, Privacy First India aims to shift the conversation from compliance obligation to cultural value — reaching professionals, students and the general public.
Corporate Privacy Roundtables & Leadership Dialogues
Invitation-led, closed-door roundtables bringing together senior leaders, DPOs, legal heads and compliance professionals to discuss DPDPA readiness, governance challenges, implementation realities and the strategic dimensions of data privacy. These forums are designed for candid, peer-level conversation.
DPDPA Readiness Clinics for MSMEs and Startups
Accessible, affordable and practical clinics designed specifically for smaller organisations that need structured support to understand their DPDPA obligations, identify priority gaps and take actionable first steps — without the complexity or cost of large-scale consultancy engagements.
Privacy First Campus Programme
A dedicated outreach initiative for colleges and universities, offering guest lectures, workshops, privacy competitions, curriculum dialogue, research collaboration, internship facilitation and mentorship for students pursuing careers in law, technology, business, policy and related fields.
Professional Learning Series
A curated programme of masterclasses, workshops and continuing education sessions covering the full spectrum of privacy and digital trust topics — from DPDPA fundamentals to advanced topics in privacy engineering, AI governance, cross-border data flows, cybersecurity and DPO responsibilities.
Knowledge & Resource Centre
A centralised repository of practical resources available to CDPDT members — including plain-language DPDPA guides, FAQ documents, self-assessment checklists, policy templates, consent frameworks, sector-specific playbooks, case studies and curated research. Continuously updated to reflect regulatory developments.
Annual CDPDT Summit on Data Privacy & Digital Trust
A flagship annual event bringing together professionals, businesses, academia, policymakers, solution providers, students and civil society for a full-day programme of keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, roundtables and networking. The Summit serves as CDPDT's most visible platform for knowledge sharing, community building and industry dialogue.
Research & Publications
CDPDT produces and publishes original research to inform the profession and contribute to public understanding. This includes sector-specific reports, thematic white papers, practical playbooks for common compliance challenges and an annual State of Data Privacy / Digital Trust in India publication tracking awareness, readiness and trends across industries.
Key Focus Areas
Key Focus Areas
CDPDT's work is focused on the areas where awareness, guidance and community support can make the greatest practical difference.
Privacy & Digital Trust Framework
01
FOCUS
DPDPA awareness and readiness — simplified, practical, actionable and scalable for all organisational sizes and sectors
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02
FOCUS
Data mapping, consent management, privacy notices, data subject rights, retention policies, grievance handling and governance frameworks
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03
FOCUS
Privacy-by-design and privacy-by-default practices in technology development, product management and procurement
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04
FOCUS
Data breach preparedness, incident response awareness and coordination with cybersecurity functions
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05
FOCUS
Cross-border data flows and global privacy considerations for businesses operating internationally
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06
FOCUS
Privacy implications in HR, recruitment, payroll, marketing, customer engagement, finance and supply chain functions
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07
FOCUS
Responsible data practices in AI, machine learning, automation and emerging technologies
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08
FOCUS
Digital trust, data governance frameworks and the ethics of data use
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09
FOCUS
Academic curriculum development and student engagement to build the next generation of privacy-aware professionals
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10
FOCUS
Sector-specific challenges in healthcare, fintech, edtech, e-commerce, manufacturing, real estate and professional services
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Organisational Readiness & Handholding Model
Readiness & Handholding
CDPDT operates as an ecosystem enabler — not a competing commercial consultancy. Our role is to facilitate structured knowledge, readiness support, access to experts and practical resources. Where specialist professional services are required, these may be delivered by qualified or empanelled members in accordance with EBCC governance, professional standards and applicable law.
Model /
Knowledge → Readiness → Support
Our handholding model moves organisations through
five stages:
01
Stage 1 — Awareness & Orientation
Helping leadership and teams understand why privacy matters, what the DPDPA requires and what it means for their specific organisation, sector and functions.
02
Stage 2 — Readiness Assessment
Enabling organisations to take stock of current data practices, identify compliance gaps across functions and prioritise areas for action based on risk and operational reality.
03
Stage 3 — Roadmap & Capacity Building
Providing practical implementation guidance, workshops, templates and skill-building resources to help organisations take concrete steps toward DPDPA readiness at a pace that suits their size and resources.
04
Stage 4 — Expert Access & Specialist Support
Connecting organisations with relevant legal, technology, governance or advisory expertise when they require specialist support beyond what community resources can provide.
05
Stage 5 — Ongoing Knowledge & Community Support
Keeping organisations informed through regulatory updates, clinics, helpdesk support, communities of practice and periodic learning programmes — so that DPDPA readiness is maintained and strengthened over time.
Membership Ecosystem
Membership Ecosystem
CDPDT membership is open to individuals, professionals, academic institutions, corporate organisations, startups, MSMEs, solution providers and any institution that supports the objectives of the Council. Participation is inclusive across disciplines — because privacy is shaped by both technical and non-technical decisions, and meaningful change requires all voices at the table.
Interactive membership index
01
MEMBERSHIP PATHWAY
Practitioner Members
Privacy professionals, legal and compliance practitioners, Data Protection Officers, data governance specialists, cybersecurity professionals, risk managers and technology professionals directly involved in privacy work. This membership category is designed for those who work in the field day-to-day and want peer community, continued learning and professional recognition.
02
MEMBERSHIP PATHWAY
Professional & Advisory Members
Consultants, advocates, auditors, trainers, coaches and specialist advisors who provide services related to data privacy, compliance, governance or digital trust. This category offers visibility, community and collaboration opportunities within the professional advisory ecosystem.
03
MEMBERSHIP PATHWAY
Corporate & Institutional Members
Businesses of all sizes — from large enterprises to MSMEs, startups and growth-stage companies — as well as educational institutions, industry associations and other organisations committed to responsible data practices. Corporate membership enables organisation-wide engagement across teams and functions.
04
MEMBERSHIP PATHWAY
Technology & Solution Members
Providers of software, platforms and services that support privacy, consent management, data governance, cybersecurity or digital trust. This category offers an opportunity to engage with the practitioner community, contribute to standards conversations and demonstrate commitment to responsible innovation.
05
MEMBERSHIP PATHWAY
Academic & Research Members
Faculty members, researchers, universities, colleges, think tanks and educators engaged in privacy-related research, teaching or curriculum development. Academic members contribute to CDPDT's research agenda and bridge the gap between scholarship and professional practice.
06
MEMBERSHIP PATHWAY
Student & Young Professional Members
Students and early-career professionals seeking structured exposure to the data privacy field, mentorship, internship opportunities, networking and a pathway into the privacy profession. This category is designed to build the next generation of privacy-aware talent across law, technology, business and policy.
Collaborative Structure
Working Groups
CDPDT's work is advanced through focused working groups that bring together members with relevant expertise to collaborate on specific themes, develop practical outputs and contribute to the broader community.
07 focus areas / collaborative network
01
Compliance & Regulatory Affairs
02
SME / MSME DPDPA Readiness & Helpdesk
03
Technology, Cybersecurity & Privacy Engineering
04
Responsible AI, Data Governance & Emerging Technology
05
Academic, Research & Student Outreach
06
Awareness, Communications & Privacy First Campaigns
07
Skills, Training & Professional Development
01
FOCUS AREA
Compliance & Regulatory Affairs
tracking regulatory developments, supporting interpretation and contributing to policy consultations
02
FOCUS AREA
SME / MSME DPDPA Readiness & Helpdesk
developing accessible guidance and support models for smaller organisations
03
FOCUS AREA
Technology, Cybersecurity & Privacy Engineering
bridging privacy and technical communities on implementation challenges
04
FOCUS AREA
Responsible AI, Data Governance & Emerging Technology
developing frameworks for responsible data use in AI and automation
05
FOCUS AREA
Academic, Research & Student Outreach
connecting education, research and professional communities
06
FOCUS AREA
Awareness, Communications & Privacy First Campaigns
driving public and professional awareness initiatives
07
FOCUS AREA
Skills, Training & Professional Development
designing and delivering learning programmes across membership categories
Governance / Institutional Positioning
Governance & Institutional Positioning
CDPDT operates under the aegis of the Emerging Businesses Chamber of Commerce (EBCC). Its governance, membership framework, committees, use of the EBCC name, public representations and any advisory, certification or credentialing initiatives will be undertaken in accordance with EBCC's constitution, policies and approved governance framework.
CDPDT
TRUST
FRAMEWORK
TRUST
FRAMEWORK
NEUTRAL / PROFESSIONAL / KNOWLEDGE-LED
POSITION 02
The Council maintains a neutral, professional and knowledge-led character. It does not position itself as a regulatory body or compliance authority. Public communications do not imply endorsement, accreditation or regulatory affiliation unless such recognition has been formally obtained.
COMMITMENT 03
CDPDT is committed to operating with integrity, transparency and a genuine commitment to the advancement of data privacy and digital trust — consistent with its Privacy First Mindset and its role as a trusted community platform.
INSTITUTIONAL INTEGRITY
PRIVACY FIRST MINDSET
CDPDT Community
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Privacy First Mindset