GDPR India: A Compliance Guide to Processing EU User Data

Updated: June 2026

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law enacted by the European Union (EU) that affects businesses globally, including those based in India. If your Indian business handles the personal data of EU citizens, you must comply with GDPR.

Key Takeaways

• GDPR applies globally to any organisation processing the personal data of EU residents, making compliance important for Indian businesses targeting the European market.

• Indian companies must establish Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) with their European Union (EU) counterparts and appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) to ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements.

• Non-compliance with GDPR can lead to severe financial penalties, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust.

How does GDPR apply to businesses outside the EU?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a landmark data protection law of the European Union designed to protect the personal data of EU residents and applies to organisations globally that process this data. This means that whether your business is based in Mumbai or Madrid, if you handle the personal data of EU citizens, you are subject to the GDPR, as outlined by the European Commission.

One of GDPR’s core principles is that personal data must be collected only for legitimate purposes and limited to what is necessary for those purposes. Organisations must establish a legal basis for processing personal data, which often includes obtaining explicit consent from the data subjects. This requirement places a significant responsibility on businesses to ensure transparency and accountability in their data-processing activities, including in the role of consent managers. GDPR also emphasises that personal data is collected only for legitimate purposes.

GDPR’s global reach is particularly relevant for Indian businesses that target EU customers or monitor their behaviour. The regulation mandates stringent compliance measures that can affect a company’s operational and legal strategies. It is no longer sufficient to focus solely on local data protection laws; understanding and implementing GDPR requirements is essential for Indian businesses looking to expand their footprint in the European market.

The target audience for understanding GDPR includes CEOs and founders of startups and SMEs, compliance managers, and legal advisors. These stakeholders need to be well-versed in GDPR to ensure their organisations are compliant and to avoid hefty fines and reputational damage. With GDPR’s stringent requirements, having a head start on compliance can make a significant difference.

Does GDPR apply to Indian companies?

GDPR’s extraterritorial application means it applies to any business outside the EU that offers products or services to EU residents. For Indian companies, this means:

• If you process the personal data of individuals located in the EU, you must comply with GDPR. • This includes companies that target EU customers through localised services. 

• It also includes companies that monitor the behaviour of EU residents online.

Under Indian data privacy law, individuals whose personal data is being processed are referred to as ‘data principals’, similar to ‘data subjects’ under GDPR.

Indian businesses must establish Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) with their European Union (EU) counterparts to ensure compliance with relevant regulations. These agreements outline the responsibilities and obligations of each party concerning personal data protection and data transfers, including the role of the data controller and data processors. Without such agreements, Indian companies may find themselves vulnerable to non-compliance risks, which can be costly.

Around 70% of Indian firms dealing with European clients have reported difficulties in meeting GDPR compliance. This statistic highlights the challenges and complexities associated with aligning with GDPR requirements. The Indian government and businesses must collaborate to address these challenges and ensure that personal data protection receives the priority it deserves.

How does GDPR differ from India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act?

India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) and GDPR share the common goal of protecting personal data, but they differ in several key aspects. The DPDPA was preceded by the Data Protection Bill, which laid the legislative groundwork for India’s data privacy framework and has been compared to the GDPR in terms of scope and provisions. One significant difference is that DPDPA applies solely to personal data in digital form, whereas GDPR encompasses all personal data, regardless of its format. The GDPR covers a broader range of data processing activities.

Another critical difference lies in the treatment of publicly available data. While GDPR covers publicly sourced data, DPDPA excludes publicly available data from its scope, including special categories and sensitive data. Both laws provide specific protections for sensitive data, with GDPR and DPDPA outlining additional safeguards and compliance requirements for the handling, processing, and transfer of such information. This distinction can impact how businesses manage and process different types of data.

The age of consent and related provisions differ between DPDPA and GDPR as follows:

• Under DPDPA, the age of consent is set at 18, requiring verifiable parental consent for individuals under this age. 

• GDPR allows for a lower age threshold of 13-16, depending on the member state’s regulations. 

• DPDPA introduces the concept of ‘significant data fiduciaries,’ which face heightened obligations. 

• GDPR does not include the concept of ‘significant data fiduciaries.’

What must Indian businesses do to comply with GDPR?

To ensure compliance with GDPR, Indian businesses must take several steps:

• Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO). 

• The DPO is responsible for overseeing the company’s data protection strategy. 

• The DPO ensures compliance with GDPR. 

• For businesses handling EU residents’ data, this role is important.

Conducting regular data audits is another essential compliance activity. These audits enable businesses to assess the personal data they collect and process, ensuring compliance with GDPR requirements. Additionally, reviewing third-party contracts is necessary to ensure they comply with GDPR requirements for data processing.

It is also important to define and adhere to appropriate data retention periods, as GDPR and other data privacy laws require organisations to retain personal data only for as long as necessary and to establish clear policies for data deletion.

Implementing strong data protection measures is vital to safeguard personal data against unauthorised access or breaches. This includes establishing effective incident detection and reporting protocols that comply with both the GDPR and the DPDPA. Creating privacy-by-design processes helps integrate data protection into business practices from the outset, ensuring a comprehensive approach.

Training employees on data privacy and GDPR compliance is another key aspect of ensuring organisational readiness. Regular training sessions can help employees understand their roles and responsibilities in protecting personal data and maintaining GDPR compliance.

What rights do individuals have under GDPR?

GDPR emphasises the need for transparent processing of sensitive personal data and grants individuals specific rights concerning their personal information. Data subjects must have access to clear and transparent privacy policies that pertain to their own data. This transparency is important for building trust with customers and ensuring compliance with data privacy laws, making the organisation GDPR compliant.

Data subjects have the right to access their personal data, enabling them to understand how their information is processed. A data subject can also request the rectification of inaccurate personal data, ensuring their information is correct and up to date. This right to rectification is important for maintaining data accuracy and integrity, including the data subject’s rights.

The GDPR grants individuals the right to erasure, commonly referred to as the ‘right to be forgotten’. This allows them to delete personal data under certain conditions. Additionally, data portability rights enable individuals to transfer their personal data between service providers in a structured format, facilitating easier data movement, free movement, and greater control.

What rules govern data transfers between the EU and India?

Data transfers, the movement of personal data between organisations or across borders, are a critical aspect of modern business operations. The GDPR sets strict requirements for data transfers, particularly when personal data is moved outside the European Union to countries that may not have equivalent data protection laws. These regulations are designed to ensure that personal data remains protected, regardless of where it is processed or stored.

To comply with the GDPR, organisations must ensure that the regulation’s provisions are followed in any data transfers. This includes obtaining explicit consent from data subjects when necessary and implementing appropriate security measures to safeguard personal data during transfer. Data privacy laws, such as the GDPR, play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of personal data throughout these processes.

In India, the government has introduced the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), which governs the processing of digital personal data. The DPDPA applies to all organisations that process digital personal data in India, regardless of their physical location, and introduces important concepts such as consent managers and data fiduciaries to enhance the protection of personal data.

When transferring personal data between the European Union and India, organisations must comply with both the GDPR and the DPDPA. This dual compliance requires a thorough understanding of the key differences and provisions of each regulation, including the roles of data fiduciaries, consent requirements, and security measures. By adhering to these data protection laws, organisations can ensure the privacy and security of data subjects’ information, foster trust, and demonstrate their commitment to responsible data processing practices.

Strong data protection and privacy frameworks are essential for organisations that collect and process personal data. By complying with both the GDPR and the DPDPA, businesses can navigate the complexities of cross-border data transfers, protect personal data, and remain compliant with evolving data privacy laws.

How do GDPR and India’s DPDPA handle data breach reporting?

Under GDPR, reporting obligations are triggered only for breaches that pose a significant risk. In contrast, DPDPA mandates that all data breaches must be reported to both users and the Data Protection Board, regardless of the risk level. This difference can significantly impact how businesses handle and report breaches.

Developing a breach response plan that meets GDPR’s notification requirements is vital for risk management. This plan should include detailed information on the breach, mitigation measures, and notification protocols to ensure compliance with both the GDPR and the DPDPA.

The Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules emphasise the need for transparency in data breach reporting. As a data fiduciary, businesses must provide details about the breach, including its nature, impact, key provisions, and the steps taken to mitigate its effects. This transparency is important for maintaining trust and ensuring accountability.

What practical steps can Indian businesses take to meet GDPR requirements?

Indian businesses should conduct data protection impact assessments to identify and mitigate risks associated with the processing of personal data. These assessments enable businesses to understand the potential impact of their data processing activities and take the necessary measures to protect personal data.

Implementing strong security measures, such as encryption and pseudonymisation, is important for safeguarding personal data and ensuring data security. These measures can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and unauthorised access. Additionally, training employees on data protection practices is important for maintaining GDPR compliance.

GDPR compliance is essential for Indian businesses to protect personal data and avoid potential penalties. By following these practical tips, companies can strengthen their data protection strategies and maintain compliance with GDPR.

What are the consequences of GDPR non-compliance for Indian businesses?

Non-compliance with the GDPR can lead to significant fines for Indian companies, up to 4% of their annual global turnover. Companies that fail to comply with the GDPR can incur fines ranging from 2% to 4% of their annual worldwide turnover, depending on the nature of the infringement. These financial penalties can be substantial and have a severe impact on a company’s global annual turnover.

In addition to financial penalties, non-compliance with GDPR can lead to significant reputational harm. This obligation can impact customer trust and business relationships, potentially leading to a loss of future business opportunities. The damage to a company’s reputation can be long-lasting and difficult to repair.

Ensuring compliance with GDPR is not just about avoiding fines but also about maintaining customer trust and protecting personal data. Businesses must take steps to ensure GDPR compliance and avoid the severe consequences of non-compliance.

Summary

Understanding and complying with GDPR is essential for Indian businesses that handle the personal data of EU residents. From appointing a Data Protection Officer to conducting regular data audits and providing employee training, businesses must take several steps to ensure compliance. The differences between GDPR and India’s DPDPA further complicate the compliance landscape, making it important for businesses to stay informed and prepared.

Non-compliance with GDPR can result in significant financial penalties and reputational damage. By following the practical tips outlined in this article, Indian businesses can strengthen their data protection strategies and maintain compliance with GDPR. Ensuring compliance is a legal obligation and a critical business necessity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does GDPR apply to Indian companies that do not have a physical presence in the EU?

Yes, the GDPR applies to Indian companies that target or monitor individuals in the EU, regardless of whether they are physically present there. Compliance with GDPR is essential to avoid potential penalties.

What are the key differences between GDPR and India’s DPDPA?

The key differences between GDPR and India’s DPDPA lie in the scope of data covered, the age of consent for processing personal data, the approach to publicly available data, and the reporting obligations following data breaches. Understanding these distinctions is important for compliance in respective jurisdictions.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with GDPR for Indian businesses?

Non-compliance with the GDPR can result in fines of 2% to 4% of a company’s global annual revenue and substantial damage to its reputation. The financial and reputational stakes make it important for Indian businesses to adhere to these regulations.

What steps should Indian businesses take to ensure GDPR compliance?

To ensure GDPR compliance, Indian businesses should appoint a Data Protection Officer, conduct thorough data audits, review third-party contracts, implement robust data protection measures, and provide employee training. These actions will help secure customer data and mitigate legal risks.

How does GDPR handle data breaches compared to India’s DPDPA?

GDPR stipulates that only significant risk data breaches must be reported, whereas India’s DPDPA requires reporting all data breaches to both users and the Data Protection Board. This demonstrates a more stringent regulatory approach in India than in the GDPR.