MeitY Introduces DEPA Handbook to Secure AI Data Sharing

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released a comprehensive handbook on the Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) aimed at facilitating secure and controlled data sharing for artificial intelligence (AI) training. The announcement was made official on Saturday, highlighting the government’s commitment to developing frameworks that foster innovation while safeguarding data rights.

MeitY’s IT Secretary, S Krishnan, introduced the DEPA handbook at a roundtable event held in Bengaluru. The development of this handbook was supported by the iSPIRT Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes India’s technology ecosystem. The document serves as a techno-legal guide designed to enable institutions and organizations to cooperate on data-driven AI projects without relinquishing control over their proprietary data.

The handbook outlines a multi-layered framework that integrates contractual permissions with privacy-enhancing technologies and controlled computing environments. This approach ensures that data providers retain ownership and authority over how their data is used during AI model training. A notable feature of the framework is the inclusion of data provenance mechanisms, which track the origin, permissions granted, and usage of data through every stage of the training lifecycle. This traceability promotes transparency and accountability for all parties involved.

Access to diverse and high-quality datasets is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone for advancing AI capabilities. As AI systems become more embedded in economic, social, and governance sectors, securing data sharing channels while respecting privacy and intellectual property rights presents a complex challenge. The DEPA handbook aims to address these concerns by setting standards that can be adopted across industries and institutions.

India’s government has been actively working to build a digital infrastructure that supports data empowerment and protection. DEPA is part of broader efforts to create an ecosystem where data can be shared safely and ethically, thus fueling innovation without compromising individual or organizational interests. By providing clear guidelines, the handbook helps reduce the uncertainty around data collaborations and encourages responsible AI development.

The release of this handbook comes at a time when AI adoption is accelerating globally. Countries and companies alike are seeking ways to balance the benefits of AI with the need for stringent data governance. Frameworks like DEPA reflect a growing recognition that legal, technical, and procedural measures must work in tandem to build trust in AI systems.

With this handbook, MeitY is positioning India to be a leader in establishing best practices for AI data sharing. The framework is expected to support a wide range of stakeholders, including government bodies, research institutions, startups, and established enterprises, by offering a clear pathway to collaborate on AI projects while protecting sensitive data.

As the AI sector continues to expand, the ability to share data securely and transparently will be key to unlocking new innovations. MeitY’s DEPA handbook represents a significant step in creating a safe environment for data exchange that respects privacy rights and enhances accountability, contributing to the responsible growth of AI technologies in India.