Draft:Foundation of Data Protection Professionals India

The Foundation of Data Protection Professionals India (FDPPI) is a non-profit organization established to champion data protection and privacy initiatives in India. Founded by industry experts, FDPPI plays a pivotal role in promoting ethical and responsible data practices through its comprehensive approach to awareness, education, and professional development.

FDPPI (Foundation of Data Protection Professionals in India) is a Section 8 company. limited by guarantee registered under the Indian Companies Act 2013. As a Section 8 company, it is a "Not for Profit" organization meaning that it cannot distribute profits if any with the members.

FDPPI is registered as a Private Limited Company with three Directors, namely Vijayashankar Nagaraja Rao (Naavi), Nagendra Javagal and Ramesh Venkataraman. In the field of Personal Data Protection, FDPPI is the first organization of this type in India dedicated to the empowerment of the industry and promoted by the professionals as individuals.

Founders and Directors
Vijayashankar Nagaraja Rao, more popularly known as Naavi, the founder of Naavi.org and associate activities and Mr Nagendra Javagal, an experienced GRC professional are the subscribers to the Memorandum in the formation of this Company. Mr Ramesh Venkataraman, an experienced Quality and Information audit professional is the third Director of FDPPI. They constitute the current Board of Directors. Naavi is the Executive Chairman of FDPPI.

Vijayashankar Nagaraja Rao
More widely recognized as Naavi, Vijayshankar Nagaraja Rao is acknowledged as a prominent figure in the field of Cyber Law and Techno Legal Information Security. He is credited as the founder of the well-known Cyber Law portal www.naavi.org and associated websites that represent various initiatives in education and services related to Cyber Law and Information Security.

Naavi holds positions as a visiting faculty in several prestigious educational institutions in India and has authored numerous books. He serves as a prominent HIPAA Consultant in India, providing GDPR training and implementation consultancy. Additionally, he is recognized for his role as the Director of Ujvala Consultants Pvt. Ltd., overseeing various digital assets, including the Cyber Evidence Archival Center , ODR Global , Cyber Law College (Virtual education center) , Privacy Knowledge Center , among others.

Naavi is the architect of the Digital Governance and Protection Standard of India (DGPSI), Data Value Standard of India (DVSI), Cyber Evidence Archival Center (CEAC), DDMAP (Data Disputes Mediation and Arbitration Platform), and many other innovative thoughts and has been honoured for his Life Time Achievement in the domain of Cyber Laws in India as well as Life time achievement in the domain of Privacy. . He is also a qualified from the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs as "Certified Independent Director".

Naavi is credited with conceptualizing the Digital Governance and Protection Standard of India (DGPSI). , Data Value Standard of India (DVSI), Cyber Evidence Archival Center (CEAC) , DDMAP (Data Disputes Mediation and Arbitration Platform) ,  and numerous other innovative concepts. He has received recognition for his lifetime achievements in the domain of Cyber Laws and Privacy in India. He also holds qualifications from the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs as a "Certified Independent Director"

Nagendra Javagal
Nagendra Javagal is a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) professional with over 15 years of experience in the Telecom, Healthcare, and Financial Services industries. His expertise encompasses areas such as IT Governance, Risk and Compliance Management, Data Privacy and Protection, Audit, and Certification.

Nagendra holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Karnataka and an MBA in Information Technology. He is certified as a Certified Information Systems Risk and Compliance Professional (CISRCP), Certified Scrum Master, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor , ISO 31000 Risk Manager , Certified EU GDPR Privacy Professional , and is a member of the Healthcare Compliance Association, USA ,  ISACA , and the International Association of Risk and Compliance Professionals, USA.

Having served as a consultant in various organizations, Nagendra has been actively involved with entities like ISACA.

Ramesh Venkataraman
Ramesh Venkataraman is an experienced professional in quality and Information Security audit with a career spanning over two decades in the industry. Currently, he serves as the Portfolio Manager for Quality Management System (QMS) and Information Security Management System (ISMS) at Carl Zeiss India (Bangalore) Pvt Ltd.

Throughout his extensive career, he has assumed various roles, including being the Academics Head of Aptech Middle East, Head of Software Process Improvement at Siemens Technology India, General Manager at Cognizant Technology Solutions, among others. Additionally, he has entrepreneurial experience, having managed his consultancy organization engaged in Information Security Management System (ISMS) audit services.

1. Promoting Awareness:

 * Target Audience: FDPPI aims to reach a diverse audience, including businesses, individuals, and organizations, to create a heightened awareness of the importance of data protection.
 * Information Dissemination: Through its official website, FDPPI provides accessible and informative content about data protection laws and best practices. This includes articles, resources, and updates to keep stakeholders well-informed.

2. Education and Training:

 * Specialized Programs: FDPPI offers specialized education and training programs tailored to the unique challenges of the Indian data protection landscape. These programs cover a range of topics, including compliance with data protection laws, risk management, and emerging trends in the field.
 * Skill Development: The organization focuses on developing the skills and competencies of professionals, enabling them to navigate the complexities of data protection laws and contribute effectively to their respective industries.

3. Research and Advocacy:

 * Active Engagement: FDPPI actively engages in research activities to stay at the forefront of developments in data protection and privacy.
 * Advocacy Initiatives: The organization advocates for policies that enhance data protection and privacy in India. By participating in discussions, collaborating with policymakers, and contributing to the formation of industry standards, FDPPI plays a crucial role in shaping the legal and regulatory landscape.

4. International Alignment:

 * Global Contribution: Through its collaboration with GDPR India and engagement in global discussions, FDPPI contributes to the international discourse on data protection. This alignment ensures that Indian practices are in harmony with global standards and best practices.

In essence, FDPPI's mission and objectives encompass not only creating awareness and providing education but also actively engaging in research, advocacy, and collaborative efforts to advance the cause of data protection and privacy in India. Through these multifaceted initiatives, FDPPI strives to build a resilient and ethical data protection ecosystem that benefits individuals, businesses, and the broader society.

Collaborations and Affiliations
The Foundation of Data Protection Professionals India (FDPPI) actively engages in collaborations and affiliations with various organizations, fostering partnerships that contribute to the advancement of data protection and privacy initiatives. Here is an in-depth exploration of FDPPI's key collaborations:

1.   Naavi.org:

 * Nature of Collaboration: FDPPI collaborates with naavi.org leveraging on the content published in Naavi.org which however represents the personal views of Naavi.
 * Impact: This collaboration allows FDPPI to contribute towards the development of Privacy and Data Protection Jurisprudence.

2. Cyber Law College:

 * Collaborative Initiatives: Through its collaboration with Cyber Law College, FDPPI enhances its educational outreach efforts.
 * Educational Bridging: This partnership bridges the gap between legal frameworks and practical applications in the realm of data protection, ensuring professionals receive practical insights.

3.   ODR Global:

 * Nature of Collaboration: FDPPI collaborates with ODR Global, leveraging their expertise in online dispute resolution for the development  of DDMAP.
 * Impact: This collaboration allows FDPPI to address data protection challenges effectively, especially in the context of resolving disputes related to privacy issues.

4. Privacy organizations India:

 * FDPPI as a Federation of like-minded organizations: FDPPI collaborates with several organizations in the filed of Cyber Laws, Privacy, Data Protection, Information Security, Cloud Security etc.  The collaboration with Privacy India signifies FDPPI's commitment to contributing to the development of privacy standards and practices tailored to the Indian context.
 * Collective Advocacy: Together, FDPPI and other organizations work towards advocating for robust privacy practices that align with the cultural and legal nuances of India.

5. Association with Professional and Academic Associations:

 * Strengthening the Collective Voice: FDPPI's partnership with the other professional and Academic associations such as the KLE Law College, Manipal Law College, BSPIN, CIOKlub etc strengthens the collective voice advocating for robust data protection policies.
 * Professional Network: This collaboration enhances the professional network within the data protection community, fostering a collaborative environment for addressing common challenges.

6. GDPR India:

 * Contributions to Global Discourse: The collaboration with organizations working on international data protection laws such as GDPR, CPRA etc. underscores FDPPI's contribution in mutual exchange of relevant knowledge.
 * International Alignment: By working with GDPR and other international data protection laws, FDPPI ensures that Indian data protection practices align with international standards, facilitating a cohesive global approach.

Cross-Industry Synergy

 * Comprehensive Approach: FDPPI's collaborations span different aspects of data protection, including legal frameworks, education, dispute resolution, and advocacy. This comprehensive approach ensures a holistic understanding and implementation of data protection principles.
 * Resource Leveraging: Collaborative partnerships allow FDPPI to leverage diverse expertise and resources from its collaborators, contributing to the organization's effectiveness in achieving its mission.
 * Knowledge Exchange: The collaborations facilitate ongoing knowledge exchange, enabling FDPPI to stay updated on emerging trends, legal developments, and best practices in the dynamic field of data protection.

By actively engaging in collaborations with organizations that share similar goals, FDPPI reinforces its commitment to fostering a united and informed front in addressing the challenges and opportunities in data protection. These partnerships contribute to the collective advancement of ethical data practices in India and beyond.

Milestones Through The Years
On September 17, 2018, the Foundation of Data Protection Professionals in India (FDPPI) achieved its Certificate of Incorporation, marking a significant milestone in the Privacy and Data Protection industry in India. The organization, created by and for professionals, emerged against the backdrop of the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on May 25, 2018, which stirred concerns about extraterritorial jurisdiction in the Indian Information Technology industry.

In January 2018, as India began crafting its own Data Protection Law, the Justice BN Krishna Committee conducted a public consultation in Bangalore on January 13. Subsequently, Naavi initiated a campaign to raise awareness about GDPR's impact on India.

Further developments unfolded, including the commencement of a GDPR course by Cyber Law College on Apnacourse.com in June 2018, and the introduction of an integrated examination for Certified Indian Data Protection Professional by Cyber Law College on June 21, 2018. In this evolving landscape, discussions on the proposed Indian law led to the contemplation and establishment of FDPPI as a Section 8 company.

On December 7, the first batch of the Certification Course in PDPA (CPDPA) was initiated, marking the onset of Indigenous Certification for Privacy. FDPPI became a pioneer in Privacy Education in India in collaboration with Cyber Law College, addressing the gap in similar courses by IAPP and DSCI at that time.

Notable achievements followed, such as the publication of Naavi's E-Book on the Personal Data Act on Data Privacy Day 2020, the introduction of Module G covering GDPR and global laws by FDPPI on June 29, and the continuous upgrading of programs amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19 and PDPB 2019.

In November 2020, FDPPI launched the Indian Data Protection Summit (IDPS) as its flagship program on Data Privacy, with subsequent editions in 2021 and 2022. Various training programs and modules were introduced, including Module A based on PDPSI and DTS assessment in December 2020. The Data Protection Journal of India (DPJI) was initiated in January 2021, albeit under suspension after July 2022.

Adapting to the changing legal landscape, FDPPI upgraded its certification program in response to the new version, DPA 2021, presented by JPC. Despite the withdrawal of DPA 2021, discussions on "Shape of things to come" led to IDPS 2022. With the passage of DPDPA 2023 by the government, FDPPI's Certification programs were once again upgraded, and the first batch of Certified DPO and Data Auditors under DPDPA 2023 recently graduated.

FDPPI's global mission includes developing the PDPSI framework into the DGPSI  framework (Data Governance and Protection Standard of India), incorporating recommendations from BIS on Data Privacy in its Data Governance Standard. The organization has introduced the Indian National Register of Data Protection Professionals, supported by the FDPC and DDMAP, creating professional engagement opportunities.

In its five years of existence, FDPPI has positioned itself as a leader in the industry. Weekly Jnaana Vardhini sessions serve as valuable resources for continued education, and the Unique DDMAP is poised to provide support, marking a significant milestone for the country.

At the end of its fifth year, FDPPI honored Retired Justice Sri K S Puttaswamy as Privacy Pitamaha, contributing to the history of Data Privacy in India. FDPPI and Naavi are actively involved in raising awareness about the recognition of "Neuro Rights Protection" in conjunction with "Privacy Protection" and "Artificial Intelligence Regulation."

With nearly 400 associates supporting FDPPI as members and supporters, the organization confidently asserts its leadership in Data Privacy in India through its Certification Program and Certifiable Framework for Audit and Assessment of Data Protection Compliance for DPDPA 2023, ITA 2000, and BIS data governance standard.

Events and Conferences
FDPPI has had the following events conducted under its banner, promoting the dissemination of information on cyber security and data privacy.


 * IDPS: The Foundation of Data Protection Professionals in India (FDPPI) holds the Indian Data Protection Summit (IDPS) annually. The IDPS is a flagship event that brings together experts and speakers from India and abroad. The 2023 IDPS was held on November 24–25.
 * Digital Society Day: October 17 each year is a day to remember in India as Digital Society Day. It is the day when India notified the Information Technology Act 2000 and consequently the Electronic Document and Digital Signature became legally recognized systems. It is therefore the birth day of the Digital Society in India. To commemorate the day, FDPPI is organises a webinar on 17th October every year.
 * Jago Regulators Jago: "Jago Regulators Jago" was the name of an event held on October 17, 2023, to recognize the "Awareness" programs that have been conducted for several years. The event was celebrated by FDPPI and MLS to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the Digital Society Day.

FDPPI Privacy Awards 2023
FDPPI recognizes individual contributions of Professionals and Organizations towards Privacy and Data Protection initiatives in India through several awards during its IDPS events.