FDPPI is your Privacy Companion

Mr M L Kantharaja Urs, Management Trustee of MYRA School of Business and Naavi exchanged the MOU for collaboration, at a simple function at the Press Club, Mysuru.

A Press Release issued in the context is given below.

FDPPI and MYRA School of Business Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Data Protection and AI Governance Education

Mysuru, 29 July 2026: In a landmark initiative to strengthen India’s capabilities in Data Protection, Privacy, AI Governance, and Digital Trust, the Foundation of Data Protection Professionals in India (FDPPI) and MYRA School of Business, Mysuru, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in education, research, professional certification, and capacity building.

The MoU was formally exchanged during a press meet held at Mysuru. The agreement was signed on behalf of MYRA by Mr. M. L. Kantharaja Urs, Managing Trustee, and Dr. Ramasastry Ambarish, Director, while Na. Vijayashankar (“Naavi”), Chairman of FDPPI, represented FDPPI.

The collaboration brings together the complementary strengths of the two institutions. FDPPI, India’s premier not-for-profit professional body dedicated to Data Protection and Privacy, contributes its extensive industry expertise, practical implementation frameworks including the Data Governance and Protection Standard of India (DGPSI), and a nationwide network of professionals. MYRA School of Business, an AICTE-approved institution recognised for academic excellence and innovation in management education, contributes its academic infrastructure, research capabilities, and commitment to developing future business leaders.

Under the partnership, the two organisations will jointly design and deliver co-branded certification programmes, executive education courses, faculty development programmes, seminars, workshops, conferences, and research initiatives covering Data Protection, Privacy, Cyber Law, AI Governance, Digital Trust, and related disciplines.

Speaking on the occasion, Na. Vijayashankar (“Naavi”), Chairman of FDPPI, said:

“India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act has created an unprecedented demand for professionals who understand the intersection of law, technology, governance, and business. This collaboration with MYRA School of Business marks an important milestone in building a robust ecosystem for high-quality education and professional certification. Together, we aim to create globally competent Data Protection Officers, Independent Data Auditors, AI Governance professionals, and Digital Trust leaders.”

Mr. M. L. Kantharaja Urs, Managing Trustee of MYRA School of Business, observed:

“At MYRA, we believe that management education must continuously evolve to address emerging societal and business challenges. Data has become one of the most valuable assets of every organisation, and responsible governance of data is now a critical leadership competency. Our collaboration with FDPPI enables us to bring industry-driven knowledge into the academic environment and offer programmes that are both relevant and impactful.”

Dr. Ramasastry Ambarish, Director of MYRA School of Business, said:

“The future belongs to professionals who can combine technological understanding with ethical and regulatory awareness. This partnership reflects MYRA’s commitment to interdisciplinary education that prepares students and working professionals for the demands of a digitally governed economy. We look forward to developing innovative learning programmes, research initiatives, and industry engagement activities jointly with FDPPI.”

The collaboration is expected to support:

• • Co-branded professional certification programmes.
  • Executive education and continuing professional development.
  • Industry-oriented curriculum development.
  • Faculty development programmes.
  • Student internships and industry immersion.
  • Collaborative research and publications.
  • Conferences, seminars, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
  • Capacity-building programmes for industry, government, regulators, and educational institutions.

The partnership is expected to play a significant role in building India’s professional ecosystem for privacy, responsible AI, cybersecurity, and digital governance, while supporting the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and emerging national and international governance frameworks.

The first series of jointly developed certification programmes is expected to be announced in the coming months.

About FDPPI

The Foundation of Data Protection Professionals in India (FDPPI) is India’s leading not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to promoting excellence in Data Protection, Privacy, Cyber Law, AI Governance, and Digital Trust. Through initiatives such as the Data Governance and Protection Standard of India (DGPSI), FDPPI has been at the forefront of developing indigenous frameworks, professional certifications, industry guidance, and capacity-building programmes supporting India’s digital transformation.

About MYRA School of Business

MYRA School of Business, Mysuru, is an AICTE-approved institution committed to creating globally competent leaders through innovative management education, research, and industry engagement. MYRA combines academic rigour with practical relevance, preparing students and executives to lead organisations in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Media Contacts

Foundation of Data Protection Professionals in India (FDPPI)
Website: www.fdppi.in

MYRA School of Business
Website: www.myra.ac.in

On August 21, 22 and 23, FDPPI will be conducting the first CIDA (Certified Independent Data Auditor) program in Bangalore.

It will be a physical event at Fairfield Marriott hotel in Rajaji Nagar, Bangalore (Location).

The curriculum for the event has already been published . 

Earlier we used to conduct a program under the banner C.DPO.DA which was “Certified Data Protection Officer and Data Auditor”. This program was available both for those who were aspiring to be DPOs and those who wanted to be Data Auditors. Now we have two different training and certification programs called CEDPO (Certified Elite DPO) fand CIDA (Certified Independent Data Auditor).

Since an Independent Data Auditor is some body who has to check the work of a DPO, he needs to be as much competent as a DPO in addition to his audit skills.

Considering that many of the participants of the August 21 program might not have gone through the earlier program on DPDPA and DPO requirements. We will supplement the physical CIDA program with a virtual masterclass on CEDO in a compressed form. This will be available free for those who register for CIDA till 9th August 2026. It will be held as a 3 hour session on probably 10th August 2026. (Sunday). Those who attend may also appear for the CEDPO examination by paying an examination fee of Rs 5000/-

Interested persons need to complete the registration for CIDA as early as possible. (Early Bird discount is available till 31st July 2026).

The total fee for CIDA program is Rs 30000+GST of Rs 5400 (Total Rs 35400/-)

The Early bird discounted price is Rs 25000/- +GST of Rs 4500/- (Total Rs 29500/-)

Master class : free for all registrants till 9th August 2026. Examination fee Rs 5000/- (If required.

Request all to make use of this opportunity.

Naavi

The prestigious FDPPI certifications have become even more valuable with the Mysore Royal Academy School of Business, an AICTE approved management institution jointing hands in Joint Certification of the Courses.

This is the first joint Academic and Professional Institutions joining hands to bring Certifications for the Data Protection Professionals.

Watch out for the dates and Venue.

Naavi

FDPPI has partnered with MYRA School of Business, Mysore  to issue Co-Branded Certifications for its DPO and Data Auditor training programs commencing from the next batch in August 2026.

FDPPI (Foundation of Data Protection Professionals in India), the country’s leading certifying body for Data Protection Officers (DPO) and Data Auditors, while  MYRA School of Business, is an AICTE-approved institution which conducts  PGDM programs.

Under this collaboration, professionals completing FDPPI’s DPO and Data Auditor courses will now receive certificates co-branded by FDPPI and MYRA School of Business — combining FDPPI’s deep domain expertise in privacy and data protection with the academic credibility of an AICTE-approved B-school.

This association reinforces the market value of FDPPI’s certifications, giving learners a credential backed by both a specialist body and a recognized academic institution — valuable for professionals and organizations navigating India’s evolving data protection landscape under the DPDP Act, 2023.

This partnership brings together specialized practitioner knowledge and academic rigor, giving our certified professionals a credential that speaks to both real-world capability and institutional credibility.

Courses remain fully designed, marketed, and delivered by FDPPI; MYRA’s co-branding adds an additional layer of institutional trust to every certificate issued.

For enrolments and details, watch this space.

Naavi

Continuing its pioneering trend, FDPPI which started Certification Programs in Data Protection focussed on Indian requirements in 2019, is now entering into an MOU with an AICTE approved Management education institute namely MYRA (Mysore Royal Academy) to bring a new generation of Professional Certification Programs.

With the collaboration arrangement between FDPPI and MYRA, FDPPI will be introducing  a new generation of Certifications for  Data Protection Officers and Independent Data Auditors under the co-branding of FDPPI with MYRA.

This collaboration would be a big break through in India for the category of new entrants to the field of Data Protection who may be able to take long term programs covering Privacy, the Law of Data Protection, the skills of a Data Protection Officer as well as the nuances of being an “Independent Data Auditor”.

The collaboration would also open up opportunities for starting  new industry-academic initiatives in the field of Data Protection.

Look forward for more detailed information in due course.

Naavi

On June 3, the AI Committee of Supreme Court released a document for public comment proposing a detailed regulation for use of Artificial intelligence in Judiciary.  Public comments have been invited in this regard before June 20.

In order to enable the public to understand and formulate their views, Naavi has published several articles on Naavi.org, a consolidation  of which is available  here.

Any body who would like to submit their comments may do so through email office.regcc@sci.nic.

Naavi

Yesterday (June 6), FDPPI conducted the First Induction Training for those who had empanelled as Independent Data  Auditors.  The program went on very well and the participants enjoyed the first of its kind program.

The Program started with an introductory talk from Naavi. Then a panel discussion on “Code of Ethics” was held. A second Panel discussion on Role of Independent Data Auditors followed.

Subsequently,  some of the Advisors of AIDAI who were physically present. (Mr Rakesh Maheshwari, Sudarshan Mandyam and Mr Madhava Murthy) shard their valuable views.

Post Lunch, Dr Ramasastry Ambarish, Director of MYRA  shared his thoughts on the involvement of Academic  institutions in the development of Data Auditors. Mr Mahndra, CTO, of MYRA shared his views on some technical aspects of Data Breach management.

Then a third panel discussion on the Challenges of Independent Data Auditors was held. Finally an interesting role play was conduced on the “Case of Ramya”.

During the discussions, several new thoughts emerged and they will be discussed in due course.

An Audio track of the event was taken on record through the Zoom. A clean video recording is under development.

Some important suggestions that came up during the discussions which will be further discussed include

a) whether  the Auditors should be voluntarily rotated after 2 or three years

b) Whether the share holders of a company should approve the appointment.

c) Whether Scoping of an  Audit be done by some body other than the Management and the Auditor

d) Increasing the value of the FDPPI certifications by building Association with other Certification bodies and Academic institutions.

AIDAI will consider adopting some of  these provisions into their activities.

Naavi

More photos of the event available here

On 6th June 2026, a one day induction program has been organized for newly empanelled Data Auditors.

This program is available only for empanelled auditors at www.aidai.org.in