FDPPI is your Privacy Companion

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

The Association of Independent Data Auditors of India (AIDAI) has organised a  webinar to introduce the concept of Independent Data Auditors to professionals particularly not presently identified as Privacy Auditors.

The webinar is scheduled for May 23rd 11.00 am.

The Registration link is available here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88286391275?pwd=wrP6fgGrCWTOVPv9p53RFvo22JgeJo.1

A request sent by the Secretary AIDAI is reproduced below:

Dear Professional Friends,

We are delighted to inform you that the ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT DATA AUDITORS OF INDIA (AIDAI), was established in April 2026 as a pioneering new vertical of FOUNDATION OF DATA PROTECTION PROFESSIONALS IN INDIA (FDPPI).

This initiative marks a significant milestone in India’s evolving data protection and digital governance landscape, arriving at a time when organisations across sectors are preparing to align themselves with the transformative framework introduced under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Regime.

AIDAI has been conceived as a forward-looking professional platform dedicated to building a credible ecosystem of INDEPENDENT DATA AUDITORS (IDA) capable of supporting organisations in achieving robust privacy and compliance standards. The platform creates a unique and timely professional pathway for experienced CAs, ICMAs, CS, Legal, GST practitioners and similarly placed professionals, and Governance practitioners, presently in auditing field, to expand their expertise into the rapidly emerging domain of Data Protection Auditing and Privacy Compliance Services. For more information, please listen to YouTube presentations @

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_p2JWVG47Qk  and

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4MF_RdCAX4&t=390s

As you are aware FDPPI is a Section 8 non-profit organisation driven by a nationwide network of distinguished Data Protection and Privacy professionals under the able leadership of Vijayashankar Nagaraja Rao, popularly known as Naavi, a pioneer in the field of Cyber Laws in India. With a vibrant membership base of over 500 professionals across India, FDPPI has consistently worked towards promoting awareness, capacity building, professional excellence, and responsible data governance practices in the country.

Now AIDAI aims to expand privacy-compliance services by formally empanelling qualified professionals to perform DATA PROTECTION AUDITS, ASSESSMENTS, AND ADVISORY SERVICES for businesses seeking compliance under DPDPA 2023, DPDP Rules 2025, and related frameworks. Here are 3 different Empanelment categories of IDA’s and their benefits

1) Probationary Independent Data Auditor (PIDA): Rs3540/- inclusive of GST

Empanelment of Probationary Independent Data Auditors is open to all interested persons to take up Data Auditing.

Benefits: Mentored placement with experienced auditors, discounted training and practice labs, access to sample audit materials, and a pathway to AIDA upon meeting experience and training milestones.

2) Accredited Independent Data Auditor (AIDA): Rs7080/- inclusive of GST

Empanelment  of Accredited Independent Auditors is restricted to those who hold relevant certifications in Privacy or Information Security or Law or Chartered Accountancy, or Cost Accountancy or Company Secretary or other approved certifications. (Check for clarification if required). Necessary evidence needs to be provided for confirmation.

Benefits: Inclusion in AIDAI directory, eligibility for Sectorial-focused audit projects, access to audit templates and checklists, discounted FDPPI resources and webinars, and referral support for client engagements.

3) Certified Independent Data Auditor (CIDA) : Rs11800/- inclusive of GST

Empanelment of Certified Independent Data Auditors is restricted to those who have passed the CIDA examination of FDPPI.

Benefits: Priority listing for large-scale audit assignments, eligibility to lead multi-auditor engagements, FDPPI endorsement for client proposals, continuing professional development credits, and preferential rates on FDPPI training and certification renewals.

Welcome to Introductory Free Webinar: Saturday, 23rd May 2026 @ 11:00AM to introduce AIDAI, explain the empanelment process, and answer your questions, we are organizing a webinar on Saturday, 23rd May 2026 @ 11:00AM.

The session will cover empanelment criteria, application process, code of conduct, empanelment workflow, and commercial terms. There will be a live Q&A to address role-specific queries for Legal and GST professionals.

Please register to join the webinar using the Zoom link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88286391275?pwd=wrP6fgGrCWTOVPv9p53RFvo22JgeJo.1

Meeting ID: 882 8639 1275
Passcode: 700473

Time: Saturday, 23rd May 2026 @ 11:00AM

We believe AIDAI will create meaningful professional opportunities and help expand high-quality data protection audit capacity, especially for MSMEs that need practical, affordable compliance support. We look forward to your participation and questions during the webinar.

Warm regards,

Srivatsa. R
Chapter Representative, FDPPI / AIDAI
secretary@aidai.org.in

For more details visit https://aidai.org.in  and  https://fdppi.in;

With the launching of AIDAI, (Association of Independent Data Auditors of India),  FDPPI is turning its attention more towards

a) Creation of Standards for DPDPA Compliance

b) Developing the educational activities under “FDPPI Academy” with various collaborations.

The development of Standards continues with

a) DGPSI-Full version

b) DGPSI-Lite (for SMEs)

c) DGPSI-AI (for AI deployment environment)

d) DGPSI-HR (For HR systems)

e) DGPSI-DP (For Data Processors for voluntary compliance)

f)DGPSI-GDPR (For GDPR Compliance)

FDPPI is also working on DVSI or Data Valuation Standard of India.

These are “Compliance Frameworks” developed as Voluntary standards recommended for adoption by organizations.

The FDPPI Academy today is working with Cyber Law College which was the first Virtual Education Institute started in India in the year 2000. This is being expanded with setting up of FDPPI Study Centers and associate Training establishments such as 2nd Quadrant Consulting. New associations are being explored.

Watch out for the new developments to take root. In the transition stage, please be prepared for some inadequacies.  We are still a boot-strapped Start Up and it would take time to start running.

Naavi
Chairman

The Association of Independent Data Auditors of India (AIDAI) was launched in Bengaluru on 11th April 2026 at WoodRose Club, JP Nagar, Bengaluru, 2026.

Though the live broadcast on the YouTube could not be organized as planned, the rest of the program went on successfully.

During the event, Mr Nagendra Javagal welcomed the audience. Mr Ramesh  Venkataraman presented the activities of FDPPI. Naavi introduced the Concept of AIDAI. Mr Vijayendra Shenoy, the CEO of AIDAI shared his plan for the coming years. Mr R Srivatsa proposed the Vote of Thanks

Representatives from different Audit Communities such as Mr Sudarshan Mandyam, Mr B. Jayachandran, Mr Madhava Murthy, as well as Mr Manish as representative of BSPIN and Dr Prashant Koranne as representative of the Data Audit Community from Mumbai were present during the occasion.

A Copy of the Book, Wisdom Companion for Champions of DPDPA Compliance was formally unveiled during the occasion.  Some of the guests spoke during the occasion and shared their views.

During the event empanelment process was also  launched.

AIDAI has started with the ambition of unifying the Auditors scattered across multiple accreditation agencies organizations onto a single platform.  This concept is not natural to the Indian Psyche but an attempt is being made by FDPPI and AIDAI to achieve what is not easy to achieve. I hope this time it is different.

Naavi

FDPPI has been in the forefront of being a “Guardian of Privacy”. The DGPSI framework provided the “Jurisprudential interpretation” of DPDPA 2023 for Data Fiduciaries to work on “Compliance By Design”. During this phase we started creating the  skills of a DPO. Many other organizations emulated FDPPI and created their own brands of DPO certifications.

Now the next phase of auditing of the implementation created by these DPOs has begun. After 13th May 2027, Significant Data Fiduciaries need to mandatorily have an “Independent Data Auditor” in place and will be looking around for not DPOs but Data Auditors.

FDPPI has now taken the necessary big step to create an eco system for “Data Auditors” to develop, acquire necessary skills and use the tools already created in the form of DGPSI frameworks.

Tomorrow the new era of “Independent Data Auditors” will begin in India with the launch of the “Association of Independent Data Auditors”.

This profession is a creation of the statute and the word “Independent” signifies that the data auditor must not have any conflict with the Data Fiduciary. They need to also be able to conduct Annual Compliance Audit of DPDPA compliance, DPIA, Audit of algorithms and even report significant observations to the DPB.

They will initially be monitoring the Significant Data Fiduciaries before other wise Data Fiduciaries also decide to err on the safer side with audit from such data auditors as a best practice.

In effect, they will be the eyes and ears of DPB to provide accountability to the compliance efforts.

FDPPI has therefore decided to catalyze the formation of the “Association of Independent Data Auditors of India” or AIDAI and is launching the new entity. Presently it is a division of FDPPI and will be headed  by a CEO, supported by a Governance Committee and guided by a cross industry Advisory Board.

A unique aspect of this AIDAI of FDPPI is that the doors are kept open for different kinds of professionals to be engaged with the organization.

At the Foundation level, any professional including the freshers  are encouraged to join the community as “Probationary Independent Data Auditors”. They can learn, associate with others and grow to be the future Independent Data Auditors.

Inevitably, FDPPI will have a Cadre of “Certified Independent Data Auditors” since it is already conducting programs for C.DPO.DA. where the traditional DPO certification was already extended to the Data Audit requirements. Now the Certification program will be divided into CEDPO (Certified Elite DPO) and CIDA (Certified Internal Data Auditor). They will be empanelled at AIDAI after a fresh online examination.

The most  significant aspect of AIDAI is that it is built on the principle of “Vasudaiva Kutumbakam” or “World is one family” .

The empanelment is therefore open to professionals trained and accredited by other organizations including DSCI or Lead Auditors of ISO family and other similar Data Protection or Information Security oriented organizations and also to other professional organizations like the ICAI, CMA or ICSI.

Such accredited agencies will be empanelled on the basis of validation of credentials.

At this point of time, it is the vision of AIDAI to be a unified platform for all professionals who conduct “Audits” in the all  pervasive medium of “Data” and  also break down the differences if any that exist between different professional groups.

We hope all will respond to this new way of thinking…

We invite all to engage with AIDAI and grow together.

Naavi

The Foundation of Data Protection Professionals in India (FDPPI) proposes to establish FDPPI Study Centres across different cities in India as part of its capacity-building and community-development initiatives in the field of data protection, privacy, and digital governance.

These Study Centres will be managed and coordinated by Associate Faculty of FDPPI and will function as local knowledge hubs to promote continuous professional learning and engagement.

Objectives of FDPPI Study Centres

• • To create a structured platform for regular interaction among data protection professionals, auditors, compliance officers, legal experts, and technology practitioners.

  • To conduct periodic training programs, workshops, and certification-oriented sessions aligned with FDPPI’s professional development framework.

  • To facilitate knowledge discussions, case-study reviews, regulatory updates, and best-practice sharing on emerging developments such as DPDPA implementation, DGPSI frameworks, and global privacy trends.

  • To encourage local networking and professional community building, thereby strengthening FDPPI’s national outreach and grassroots presence.

  • To support talent development and mentoring for aspiring DPOs, Data Auditors, and governance professionals.

Each Study Centre will meet at regular intervals (monthly / bi-monthly as decided locally) and may organize public awareness programs, industry roundtables, and collaborative initiatives with academic institutions and industry bodies.

Through this initiative, FDPPI aims to build a vibrant nationwide ecosystem of data protection excellence, enabling continuous learning, professional growth, and practical implementation support.

Each Study Center will require at least one Empanelled Associate Faculty Member as the “Coordinator”. This will be an independent individual initiative working in association with the Chapters.

Associate Faculty Members will be  empanelled to independently conduct certification training programs preparing individuals to take the online examinations of FDPPI.

Persons interested in managing such centres are requested to contact FDPPI/Naavi

From April 2026, FDPPI is making some changes to its main stream of training Programs.

1. CDPP-I

First Certification would be directed towards those who focus on the legal aspects of Data protection in India. This would cover ITA 2000 with a focus  on Intermediary Guidelines and DPDPA along with the Rules.  This will be called “Certified Data Protection Professional: (CDPP-India).

2.CEDPO

Second Certification would be Implementation of DPDPA with a focus on Governance and Technological Measures for DPDPA Compliance. This will be called Certified Elite Data Protection Officer (CEDPO).

3.CIDA

Third Certification would be  focussing on Audit of Data Governance and Protection Management Systems (DGPMS) covering the different DGPSI frameworks including DGPSI-Full, DGPSI LIte, DGPSI-AI, DGPSI-HR and DGPSI-DP. This will be called Certified Independent Data Auditor (CIDA)

4. CDPO (GDPR)

Fourth Certification would be on Certified DPO for GDPR. [ CDPO-(GDPR)] with a focus on GDPR as law, ISO 27701 and DGPSI-GDPR.

All programs will be  run on hybrid mode with part of the coverage being through pre-recorded videos  supported by either a virtual or a physical extension.

Watch out for more information in due course.

Presentation

Video

On February 16, 2026 , the honourable Supreme Court preliminarily heard admission request of three petitions challenging the different provisions of DPDPA 2023 and the Rules and finally requesting the Court to declare the Act and the rules void because it violates Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

1. Venkatesh Nayak v. Union of India, W.P.(C) No. 177/2026;
2. The Reporters Collective Trust & Anr. v. Union of India & Ors., W.P.(C) No. 211/2026; and
3. National Campaign for Peoples Right to Information v. Union of India, W.P.(C) No. 212/2026.

While the trigger for the petition is Section 44(3) which amends Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act 2005 and is effective from 13th November 2025, the petitions have also argued that “Jounralists” should have been  exempted from DPDPA and it hasnotbeen done, Government is empoering itself for mass surveillnace, Government is not creating a regulatory body which is independent etc., finally concluding that both the Act and the Rules are to be declared void.

Naavi.org has highlighted one view point on these petitions here: “Summary of the Comments on the petitions filed at Supreme Court on DPDPA” 

Naavi  has also raised an online petition “I am the Real Public in India and I donot support scrapping  of DPDPA and DPDPA Rules” .

Now FDPPI has called for a Round Table Discussion of professionals on “Is DPDPA 2023 unconstitutional?” on 7th March 2023.

This is a virtual conference and any interested  person can attend subject to the capacity of the meeting room.

Through this, we want to collect the views of the general public on the issue so that we will have a better perception of what the public think.

Unfortunately in India we the professionals are better arm chair critics and donot want to dirty our hands in such public spirited activities. We therefore know that all persons who support “Protecting DPDPA” and feel that “Petitioners are not the right representatives of the Public” will not participate in the discussions.  However, it is the duty of FDPPI to invite the public discussion on this matter before the Supreme Court is set to start further hearing on March 16.

We look forward to a good participation in this debate which will be moderated by Naavi and particiapted by eminent academicians and practicing advocates.

As India prepares for the DPDPA Era, it has become necessary for organizations to explore the technical tools required to work towards compliance. FDPPI has already unveiled the Compliance frameworks, conducted many awareness sessions and also created many certified professionals.

It is time now to move to the next level of assisting the industry for compliance with assistance to understand and evaluate technical tools necessary for DPDPA Compliance.

It is natural that all existing international software solution providers who are already in the game serving the GDPR community are now eyeing the “Big and Beautiful Indian market” which is “Tariff Free”  and are tweaking their software to meet DPDPA requirements. Some of them are opening Indian subsidiaries to give their software a local touch.

Many Indian start ups are also venturing into the development of software for DPDPA Compliance including the Six shortlisted companies which are into the final round of development of the open source “Consent Management” software in the Coding Challenge.

Many large entities are however not relying on the external software suppliers and are developing their  own in-house software for compliance .

Already many of the professionals in the organizations have started gathering data and taking presentations from the vendors. Those who were already using some international products are experiencing the customization for DPDPA.

We as a community of Data Protection Professionals need to understand where the industry stands as of today, who are the serious players and what are their offers and what is the experience of the early users are. We know that these are early days and experience is sketchy. Many have only the marketing presentations to depend for their understanding. But this is early 2026 and we need to make an  assessment of what do we have today.

FDPPI has therefore launched the country’s first survey of DPDPA Compliance tools as a perception study from the users.

The Indian National Survey of DPDPA Compliance tools is an initiative launched by Naavi and FDPPI as a part of the celebration of the International Privacy Day of 2026.

The survey is now open and over the next one month till end February 2026, will collect the data. It will then be analysed and a report would be prepared.

Kindly access the survey here

Your views will be consolidated and all respondents will get a copy of the final report if they have shared their contact e-mail in the form

The tool manufactures can participate in the survey identifying their role as vendors of solutions. FDPPI would also give a one hour slot to them to present their software in one of the Jnaana Vardhini Sessions to the members of FDPPI  if interested.

Naavi

FDPPI in association with Cyber Law College intends to expand  its certification programs with the introduction of the following new activities.

1. Master of GDPR Compliance
2. Certified Independent Data Auditor

Master of GDPR Compliance  is an upgradation of the current Module G program with an addition of Digital Omnibus Proposal, ISO 27701for GDPR compliance and new Case studies, as well as DGPSI-GDPR as a framework of compliance.

Certified Independent Data Auditor is an  upgradation of C.DPO.DA. and is focussed on Data Auditors.

Watch out for more details