Chief architect of India's data privacy law Justice BN Srikrishna has raised a red flag over the lack of a data regulator to oversee privacy concerns emanating from Reliance Jio-Facebook deal. Srikrishna says such a data deal happened 'precisely because there is no law'. Raising concern over the long-term strategy of the deal, Justice B N Srikrishna says, "It is a strategic investment. A strategic investment by definition means it is an investment intended to further the business interest of the investee as well as the investor".

The concern being raised around privacy also emanates from the current policy stand point of the company. Though on Jio's website the privacy policy states "We do not sell or rent personal information to any third party entities", it also states certain exceptions.

The concern being raised around privacy also emanates from the current policy stand point of the company. Though on Jio's website the privacy policy states "We do not sell or rent personal information to any third party entities", it also states certain exceptions. The policy says it limits the disclosure of personal information such as name, phone number, address, photographs and proof of identity documents such as PAN Card, Passport etc., in certain circumstances which includes scenario such as a mergers or acquisitions that affects the company and also to its partners. According to the policy, exceptions to sharing with 'Partners' include vendors, consultants, contractors and companies or affiliates who provide a host of services including contact information verification, payment processing, customer service, website hosting, data analysis, infrastructure provision, IT services, and other similar services.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Justice BN Srikrishna raises concern over absence of a data regulator to oversee deal

Relies on two respective companies being good citizens and not violating

Says lack of regulation of data deals a big issue without a law in place

Strategic investment intended to further business interest of investee as well as

Facebook invested $5.7 billion in Jio Platforms for a 9.99 per cent

Facebook says has independent view (from Reliance) on topics, data localisation one of