From Vulnerability to Empowerment : The Role of Data Localisation in Safeguarding Women’s Digital Rights in India

Abstract

Data has emerged as a new currency in the rapidly developing digital age which is strong, individualised and vulnerable to abuse. The digital revolution has unlocked unprecedented opportunities for women in areas such as civic engagement, entrepreneurship and education however, it has also introduced complex challenges that disproportionately impact them particularly in relation to data security. “Cyber stalking”, identity theft, blackmail and reputational damage are all common outcomes of the exploitation of women’s personal

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professional platforms. These challenges are further compounded when women’s sensitive

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and regulatory enforcement. This paper critically examines the gendered vulnerabilities associated with digital data exposure based on Indian legal statutes such as the “Information Technology Act, 2000” and the “Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023”. It places particular emphasis on the emerging role of data localisation laws, which seek to ensure that critical personal data remains within India’s sovereign control. Data localisation promotes enforcement of data protection standards, improves regulatory monitoring and expedites the resolution of complaints by maintaining data inside national borders especially for women harmed by digital technology. Incorporating international frameworks and gender & ! "+ & " "! "#

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digital literacy and structural barriers within existing data governance systems. By positioning digital security and data sovereignty as foundational to the protection of women’s rights in the contemporary digital environment the paper proposes a comprehensive model that enables women to engage with the online world with greater autonomy respect and legal assurance.