India to set up data embassies for digital continuity with world: FM

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced that the government will set up Data Embassies in the country to facilitate seamless digital transfers and continuity for other nations. Also Read: Google Adds New Android Warning To Stop Banking Scams During Phone Calls: How It Works

Data embassies create a new approach to securing data by leveraging diplomatic agreements bolstered by cloud technology solutions. Also Read: Apple, Google, Samsung Push Back Against Mandatory Location Tracking In India

✨ For realizing vision of Make AI in India & Make AI Work for India, 3 #CentresofExcellence for #ArtificialIntelligence to be set up in top edu institutions, leading industry players to partner to conduct research & develop applications.#Budget2023 #AmritKaalBudget pic.twitter.com/0SceQNe5ip Also Read: Always-On Phone Tracking? Apple, Google, Samsung Raises Red Flags

— Ministry of Electronics & IT (@GoI_MeitY) February 1, 2023

A data embassy is a solution implemented by nation states to ensure a country’s digital continuity with particular respect to critical databases.

“We will facilitate the setting up of Data Embassies for countries looking for digital continuity solutions,” Sitharaman said during her Union Budget speech in Parliament.

Small countries around the world are turning to the concept of “data embassies” because they are in need of sovereign and resilient infrastructure.

Estonia, one of the world’s most mature countries in digital administration, authorised a data embassy in 2015. Luxembourg, Monaco and some other nations have adopted the Data Embassy model.

According to a Google Cloud blog post, there are several components that comprise a data embassy.

“A data embassy must have a secure, resilient data infrastructure that can protect a nation’s data from cyber and physical threats. They should have a robust mechanism to ensure efficient data back-up and fail-over, as well,” it said.

—IANS