Current Respiratory Illness in China

The health ministry has addressed concerns regarding a new respiratory illness in China, emphasizing there is no immediate cause for alarm.

Situation Overview

• The illness is linked to the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), known to cause common cold-like symptoms.
• The government is actively monitoring the situation and has observed no significant increase in infections within the country.

Government's Preparedness

• According to Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services, there is no substantial rise in respiratory outbreaks for December 2024.
• India is equipped to handle any potential increase in cases, with hospitals ready to manage respiratory virus outbreaks, especially common in winter.

Public Advisory

General precautions are advised to prevent the spread of respiratory infections:

• Avoid contact with others if experiencing cough or cold symptoms.
• Use a handkerchief or towel when coughing or sneezing.
• Take standard medications for cold or fever as needed.

Situation in China

• Reports and social media indicate overcrowded hospitals and overwhelmed crematoriums in China.

Key Points from Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023 (DPDP)

The DPDP Act of 2023 mandates significant changes in the way data is handled, particularly focusing on children and data breaches.

Children's Privacy and Social Media Access

• Children under the age of 18 require verifiable parental consent to access social media.
• This regulation is aimed at protecting minors from unauthorized data usage.

Data Fiduciaries Classification

• Data fiduciaries are categorized into ecommerce companies, gaming intermediaries, and social media firms.
• These entities must delete personal data of inactive users after three years.

Data Breach Protocol

• Data fiduciaries must report data breaches to the Data Protection Board within 72 hours.
• Users must be informed of breaches in a concise, clear, and plain manner.
• Details provided should cover the nature, extent, and impact of the breach, along with risk mitigation measures.

Data Localisation and Protection Measures

• Future data localisation requirements may be introduced for significant data fiduciaries.
• Significant data fiduciaries are required to conduct an annual data protection impact assessment and audit.

Stakeholder Involvement and Comments

• The draft rules are open for stakeholder comments until February 18.

Expert Opinions

• Aparajita Bharti noted the draft gives direction for implementation and raised concerns about potential data localisation.
• Nehaa Chaudhari highlighted the flexible approach to parental consent as beneficial.