Statement by India under Agenda Item 3, Interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the Right to privacy, at the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council (24 February -4 April 2025), delivered by Mr. Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor, Geneva, 12 March 2025
Mr. Vice President,
1. India takes note of the report presented by the Special Rapporteur, focusing on both the potential benefits of neurotechnology and the significant concerns regarding its misuse in the absence of adequate governance frameworks.
2. While the medical development of neuro technologies is generally regulated by established frameworks, the consumer sector remains deregulated and rapidly expanding. This has raised major concerns, particularly on potential misuse of personal data. The convergence with artificial intelligence further amplifies these concerns, especially regarding algorithmic bias and lack of traceability.
Mr. Vice President,
3. India is committed to the inclusive and responsible use of digital technologies as a cornerstone of our goal towards inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development. We believe that the design, development, governance, and use of digital technologies should be guided by democratic values and respect for human rights. In this regard, India enacted the Digital Personal Data Protection Act in 2023, which upholds an individual’s right to privacy. India recognizes and respects the right to privacy as a fundamental right under our Constitution.
4. We thank the Special Rapporteur for her report, and assure her of our continued support.
Thank you
