If you already comply with the GDPR you have a strong head start on the DPDPA — but the two laws are not identical. Here’s what’s the same, what’s different, and how to run one program for both.
Common ground
Both are consent- and purpose-centric, both grant individuals rights (access, correction, erasure, grievance), both require security safeguards and processor contracts, both apply extraterritorially, and both carry heavy penalties.
Key differences
Terminology
DPDPA uses Data Fiduciary (controller), Data Processor, and Data Principal (data subject).
Sensitive data
The GDPR defines special categories (health, biometrics, etc.) with extra rules. The DPDPA does not create sensitive-data categories — though children’s data is treated specially.
Legal bases
GDPR has six lawful bases; the DPDPA relies on consent plus a narrower set of legitimate uses (no standalone “legitimate interests” balancing test).
Regulator & penalties
GDPR: supervisory authorities, fines up to 4% of global turnover. DPDPA: a single Data Protection Board of India, penalties up to ₹250 crore per instance.
DPIAs & DPOs
GDPR mandates DPIAs for high-risk processing and DPOs in defined cases. Under the DPDPA these are duties of Significant Data Fiduciaries.
Run one program for both
Map your obligations once, tag each to the frameworks it satisfies, and maintain a single set of controls and evidence. A multi-framework platform lets DPDPA, GDPR and CCPA share the same backbone.