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Introduction

The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, of 2023, introduces a framework for the protection of personal data in India. Data fiduciaries are the entity that essentially determines the purpose and means of processing of personal data. The small-scale industries also fall within the ambit of the term. Startups/Small companies and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) while determining the purpose of processing of personal data in the capacity of ‘data fiduciary’ are also required to comply with the DPDP Act provisions. The obligations set for the data fiduciary will apply to them unilaterally, though compliance with this Act and can be challenging due to resource constraints and limited expertise in data protection. 

DPDP Act, 2023 Section 17(3) gives power to the Central Government to exempt Startups from being obligated to comply with the Act, taking into account the volume and nature of personal data processed. It is the nation's first standalone law on data protection and privacy, which sets forth strict rules on how data fiduciaries can collect and process personal data, focusing on consent-based mechanisms and personal data protection. Small-scale industries are given more time to comply with the DPDP Act. The detailed provisions to be notified in further rulemaking called ‘DPDP rules’.

Obligations on Data Fiduciary under the DPDP Act, 2023

The DPDP Act focuses on processing digital personal data in a manner that recognizes both the right of individuals to protect their personal data and the need to process such personal data for lawful purposes and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Hence, small-scale industries also need to comply with provisions aimed at protecting digital personal data.

The key requirements to be considered:

• Data Processing Principles: Ensuring that data processing is done lawfully, fairly, and transparently. Further, the collection and processing of personal data is only for specific, clear, and legitimate purposes and only the data necessary for the stated purpose. Ensuring that the data is accurate and up to date is also necessary. An important part is that the data is not retained longer than necessary and appropriate security measures are taken to protect the said data.
• Consent Management: Clear and informed consent should be obtained from individuals before collecting their personal data. Further, individuals have the option to withdraw their consent easily.
• Rights of Data Principals: Data principals (individuals) whose data is being collected have the right to Information, the right to correction and erasure of data, the right to grievance redressa, Right to nominate.the right to access, correct, and delete their personal data. Data fiduciaries need to be mindful of mechanisms to handle requests from data principals regarding their concerns.
• Data Breach Notifications: Data fiduciaries are required to notify the data protection board and the affected individuals in case a data breach has occurred.
• Appropriate technical and organisational measures: A Data Fiduciary shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure effective observance of the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder.Cross-border Data Transfers: Compliance with regulations in relation to the transfer of personal data outside of India should be ensured.

Challenges for Small Scale Industries for the DPDP Act Compliance 

While small-scale industries have high aims for their organisational growth and now in the digital age they also need to place reliance on online security measures and handling of personal data, with the DPDP act in the picture it becomes an obligation to consider and comply with. As small-scale industries including MSMEs, they might face certain challenges in fulfilling these obligations but digital data protection measures will also boost the competitive market and customer growth in their business. Bringing reforms in methods aimed at better data governance in today's digital era is significant. 

One of the major challenges for small-scale industries could be ensuring a skilled workforce that understands and educates internal stakeholders about the DPDP Act compliances. This could undoubtedly become an additional burden.

Further, the limited resources can make the implementation of data protection, which is oftentimes complex for a layperson in the case of a small-scale industry, difficult to implement. Limitations in resources are often financial or human resources.

Cybersecurity, cyber awareness, and protection from cyber threats need some form of expertise, which is lacking in small enterprises. The outsourcing of such expertise is a decision that is sometimes taken too late, and some form of harm can take place between the periods by which an incident can occur.

Investment in the core business or enterprise many times doesn't include technology other than the basic requirements to run the business, nor towards ensuring that the data is secure and all compliances are met. However, in the fast-moving digital world, all industries need to be mindful of their efforts to protect personal data and proper data governance.

Recommendations 

To ensure the proper and effective personal data handling practices as per the provisions of the act, the small companies/startups need to work backend and frontend and ensure that they take adequate measures to comply with the act. While such industries have been given more time to ensure compliance, there are some suggestions for them to be compliant with the new law.

Small companies can ensure compliance with the DPDP Act by implementing robust data protection policies, investing in and providing employee training on data privacy, using age-verification mechanisms, and adopting privacy-by-design principles. Conduct a gap analysis to identify areas where current practices fall short of DPDP Act requirements. Regular audits, secure data storage solutions, and transparent communication with users about data practices are also essential. Use cost-effective tools and technologies for data protection and management.

Conclusion

Small-scale industries must take proactive steps to align with the DPDP Act, 2023 provisions. By understanding the requirements, leveraging external expertise, and adopting best practices, small-scale industries can ensure compliance and protect personal data effectively. In the long run, complying with the new law would lead to greater trust and better business for the enterprises, resulting in a larger revenue share for them.

References

• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1959161 
• https://www.financialexpress.com/business/digital-transformation-dpdp-act-managing-data-protection-compliance-in-businesses-3305293/ 
• https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/big-tech-coalition-seeks-12-18-month-extension-to-comply-with-indias-dpdp-act/articleshow/104726843.cms?from=mdr 

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Introduction

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated banks to switch their digital banking domains to 'Bank.in' by October 31, 2025, as part of a strategy to modernise the sector and maintain consumer confidence. The move is expected to provide a consistent and secure interface for online banking, as a response to the increasing threats posed by cybercriminals who exploit vulnerabilities in online platforms. The RBI's directive is seen as a proactive measure to address the growing concerns over cybersecurity in the banking sector.

RBI  Circular - Migration to '.bank.in' domain

The official circular released by the RBI dated April 22, 2025, read as follows:

“It has now been decided to operationalise the ‘. bank.in’ domain for banks through the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), which has been authorised by National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI), under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to serve as the exclusive registrar for this domain. Banks may contact IDRBT at sahyog@idrbt.ac.in to initiate the registration process. IDRBT shall guide the banks on various aspects related to application process and migration to new domain.”

“All banks are advised to commence the migration of their existing domains to the ‘.bank.in’ domain and complete the process at the earliest and in any case, not later than October 31, 2025.”

CyberPeace Outlook

The Reserve Bank of India's directive mandating banks to shift to the 'Bank.in' domain by October 31, 2025, represents a strategic and forward-looking measure to modernise the nation’s digital banking infrastructure. With this initiative, the RBI is setting a new benchmark in cybersecurity by creating a trusted, exclusive domain that banks must adopt. This move will drastically reduce cyber threats, phishing attacks, and fake banking websites, which have been major sources of financial fraud. This fixed domain will simplify verification for consumers and tech platforms to more easily identify legitimate banking websites and apps.  Furthermore, a strong drop in online financial fraud will have a long-term effect by this order.  Since phishing and domain spoofing are two of the most prevalent forms of cybercrime, a shift to a strictly regulated domain name system will remove the potential for lookalike URLs and fraudulent websites that mimic banks. As India’s digital economy grows, RBI’s move is timely, essential, and future-ready.

References

• https://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=12837&Mode=0

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Introduction

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If we look at the concept of scams, they have existed for as long as human societies have. A few decades ago, it was quite common to see scams being carried out in the form of fake landline calls, forged documents or persuasive salesmen. And ‘trust’, being the fundamental aspect of human interaction, has been at the forefront of such interactions. This ‘trust’ factor has been consistently exploited by nefarious individuals all over the world through various acts of deception and a plethora of fraudulent activities. 

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As the years have gone by, the very same scamming methods have simply shifted mediums. They have transitioned from the geographies of markets and doorsteps to the virtual world of smartphones and digital devices. The senior citizens of today are sitting at a juncture where they come equipped with the ‘habits’ and ‘understanding’ of the offline world. And this is why in today’s technologically driven and fast paced digital environment, they are being targeted via ‘unfamiliar’ digital mediums and tactics, making them highly susceptible to cyber frauds and online scams.  

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Back in the simpler days, it wasn’t too difficult to catch the whiff of a scammer. One could pick up on their practiced speech patterns, spot their overly polished and formal tone or their sheepish body language and even notice the minute inconsistencies in their statements. This back-and-forth communication would take place in real time, over phone calls and even face to face. 

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But the scenario today is worse. Since our reliance on digital devices has expanded at an unparalleled pace, it has become all the more difficult to distinguish between what’s fake and what’s genuine. All of a sudden, our entire essential daily activities have become encompassed in the realm of the digital world, ranging from banking, shopping, healthcare to everyday communication. And to further exacerbate the situation, today’s scammers have quietly adapted to this newfound circumstance, as they hide behind screens.

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Fake messages or emails can be easily mistaken for being ‘real’ in the current modern digital age. Especially for senior citizens, this shift is presenting a serious challenge. They are being forced to evaluate authenticity and legitimacy through links, messages and apps that basically all look familiar. For example, the logo in an online correspondence might seem to be genuine or its language might look official and credible. At first glance, even the format or the layout of an email or a message may seem familiar enough to not raise any suspicion. This is the point where the danger lies. When there are no warning signs, no rude tones, no spelling errors and no weird behaviour. It becomes very difficult for people to tell what’s real and what’s a trap, especially for the seniors. And in that brief period of confusion, scammers manage to fool people into divulging personal information, clicking dangerous links or even parting with their hard-earned money.

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What makes the senior population so vulnerable?
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Trapped in the Convenience of Digital Dependence

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As the senior population embraces the new and sophisticated digital tools of today, alongside they are also risking their exposure to the online world of cyber security risks and cyber criminals. New devices such as smartphones and tablets do offer unprecedented convenience but they also come with various underlying dangers. Modern technology has made everyday tasks quite easy. Smartphone based UPI applications, bank applications and even online healthcare platforms have simplified life not just for the elderly, but for everyone across society. But many senior citizens may not be as well versed with the usage of these technologies and the digital risks they carry. They may get influenced easily or they may not exercise the same level of caution as the younger generations (who have literally grown up being surrounded by the dynamics of technology). This ‘familiarity gap’ adds up to the vulnerability of seniors. Without any prior visible warning signs they can easily end up getting exposed to online scams, fraudulent transactions and data misuse.

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Cybercriminals’ Goldmine: Cash-rich Seniors

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Although a person’s vulnerability towards becoming a target or a victim of a cyber crime is mostly shaped by their circumstance and not by age alone. But still, from the point of view of a cyber criminal, senior citizens do seem to be the perfect victims. Most of them are retired and financially sound with lifetime savings, consistent pensions, accumulated assets and anticipated income streams. As they enjoy their solid financial footing, they may not keep a regular check on their online banking accounts and financial records. This ‘financial ease’ can inadvertently make them more prone to cyber crimes, especially when they are simultaneously getting increasingly dependent on digital tools. This lack of oversight may allow suspicious activities or fraudulent transactions to go unnoticed and sometimes even lead to huge losses of money. This is where digital literacy comes in. Keeping the seniors well informed on the safe usage of the internet can significantly lower their chance of getting intertwined in an online scam. It has therefore become crucial to promote and encourage regular account checks, setting up of alerts and foster awareness regarding common online threats that can help seniors safeguard their hard-earned resources. 

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India itself witnessed an increase of 86% from the years 2020 to 2022 in cyber crime cases related to senior citizens. 

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Targeting the Psychological Aspects: Panic, Overwhelm, Manipulation and Isolation

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Senior citizens are often at an age and stage in life where their routines slow down and the general pace of life shifts towards a gentler rhythm. Thought processes may not be as swift as they used to be, some may even experience mild cognitive decline and many live alone or away from their children or immediate support systems. Research also shows that aging can lead to low memory function which in turn can increase an individual’s susceptibility to digital traps such as phishing emails and financial abuse. According to a comprehensive analysis of senior fraud victims, it has been noted that victimisation increases with advancing age. There are significant associations between fraud victimisation and human cognitive factors, such as: diminished executive functioning, reduced ability of the brain to process information and even impairments in comprehending complex everyday information.

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Cybercriminals, who are aware of these soft spots, deliberately exploit the seniors’ psychological and mental space. They strategically deploy methods that create confusion and cognitive overload. They may create a fictitious scenario depicting some kind of ‘urgency’ and use the elderly’s ‘panic response’ to their advantage. They may create false warnings of a blocked bank account, a missed or delayed medical update or inform them of a sudden (but fake) legal issue. They aim at creating a situation of ‘overwhelm, anxiety and severe distress’. And it is common knowledge that when fear encapsulates an individual, the process of rational decision making deeply gets affected. In this scenario elderly victims often fall for the cyber criminals’ malicious antics and end up complying with them without actually verifying their intent and authenticity. 

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The senior population of the current times was raised in an era where they were rarely taught to question authoritative figures. This is where ‘manipulation’ steps in. The concept of manipulation thrives on the sense of ‘authority, power, position and trust’. Cyber fraudsters use this mechanism and convincingly impersonate government representatives, senior bank officials, healthcare providers, etc. They may project credibility and legitimacy by using authoritative sounding language, creating a sense of power over the victim and manipulating them. 

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Another important factor that scammers leverage to their advantage is ‘isolation’. A lot of seniors live alone or just with their spouse, with no immediate support systems nearby. They navigate and tread their daily routines on their own, trying hard to adapt to the dynamic digital world.  This life of solitude or isolation leaves them in a vulnerable state. They may not even have someone to talk to, or get a second opinion, or even guidance regarding some suspicious online activity that they may be experiencing. This state of isolation combined with their limited digital competence creates the perfect stance for a cybercriminal to manipulate these individuals.

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Understanding this psychological dimension has become critical to prevent cyber crimes amongst the elderly. Proper awareness campaigns, reassurance, encouragement of think-and-verify habits can reduce the occurrence of such scams and protect our senior citizens.

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Clickbait Cures, Bogus Health Remedies and Expensive False Hopes 

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It is a known fact that for most senior citizens, their health ranks highest in the list of their priorities. They are always on the lookout for information regarding treatments, medications, dietary supplements and even wellness programs. In an effort to live a healthy and fuller life in this digital age, unknowingly, senior citizens can become easy targets for cybercriminals.

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The internet is flooded with eye-catching headlines, ads and clickbaits that promise quick relief and miracle cures. Their wordings may appear like: ‘miracle joint and arthritis relief’, ‘reverse diabetes in seven days’, ‘secret anti-ageing formulas that doctors won’t divulge’, etc.  These promises seem all flashy and shiny, but the reality is generally painful. Elderly people can easily get attracted to such ads. Scammers use reassuring language that instantly appeals to the seniors’ attention and their emotions. They create fake doctor profiles or publish fabricated patient reviews with overly dramatised testimonials and false research. In order to seem authentic, some scammers may even use the names and logos of respectable health institutions and organisations such as the ‘World Health Organisation’. They claim to sell products like miracle pills, teas, devices, virtual health services, etc., all at extremely high prices along with pressure inducing statements such as: ‘offer ends tonight’ or ‘only 20 spots left’. 

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When the elderly fall for this scam and end up paying the amount, either the promised product doesn’t turn up or it proves to be completely ineffective. In worst case scenarios, it may even harm the user’s health. These bogus health products are not regulated by any health association or authority. They may contain unsafe ingredients, incorrect dosages and other toxic substances that can severely impact the elderly’s health. An adverse reaction can take place or an existing medical condition may worsen. What begins as a hopeful step towards better health can eventually lead to loss of finances, physical harm and a deep sense of disappointment and hurt.

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Sharing of card details, Adhaar numbers, insurance and medical reports on fake websites can further lead to identity theft and other dangerous  cyber crimes.

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Protection starts with simple habits. And here families have a big role to play. Making our senior citizens aware of this scenario is the first step. Education brings along ‘awareness’, and with awareness comes ‘caution and confidence’. Teaching the seniors to be wary of any warning signs, to not share any personal or financial details online and to make sure to consult a doctor first before starting any new treatments, are a few ways that can definitely help in reducing the risk of such scams. 

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Risky Digital Routines: Overexposure and Oversharing 

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The senior citizens of today are heavily invested in their daily digital routines. They stay virtually connected through various messaging apps (such as WhatsApp), they eagerly curate and maintain their digital identities on online platforms (such as Instagram and Facebook) and they regularly use emails to share messages, articles and forwards within their social circles. Many of us have seen it in our own family groups, that the seniors are the most enthusiastic lot. They are the first to send in their morning salutation messages, photos and other daily updates. This eagerness reflects both their genuine commitment towards staying in touch and also the pure joy that they derive from being active members of these online communities. It is important to understand that these platforms don’t just serve as mere communication tools for them. Beyond messaging and sharing of updates, these online spaces offer a sense of community, belongingness and self-expression to the elderly. 

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But these everyday digital routines can cause an overexposure to the virtual world which further creates opportunities for scammers. Clicking on unfamiliar links, downloading unknown softwares and giving quick responses to alerts and notifications (without first identifying the source), are a few examples of how seniors end up getting embroiled in risky situations. At the same time, online oversharing of personal details such as addresses, birthdays, travel plans, family updates, phone numbers, even investment plans, etc., can seem to be quite harmless on the face of it. But all of this information builds a goldmine for the scammers. They may be able to piece it together and use it to send highly convincing phishing emails, create fake online offers or even impersonate a loved one. 

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Senior citizens also tend to take online messages at face value. AI generated videos, images, false news, etc., are all generally shared under the garb of sensational claims or urgent warnings and are therefore easily assumed to be true, especially by the elderly. They may not even take a minute to factcheck the information and instead may forward it to ten other people in their circle. 

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The above risks can significantly be reduced by practicing safer digital habits. Seniors should be mindful in their digital usage. Pausing and thinking before clicking on a link, fact checking a piece of news, using strong privacy settings and trusted apps, etc., can help protect both their personal data as well as their digital wellbeing. 

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Silent Suffering: Shame, Underreporting and Systemic Gaps

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Research suggests that senior citizens do not always report a cybercrime. This can be due to shame, self blame, ridicule, fear of being judged as incompetent and a general opinion that even if they report it, nothing will come out of it. They may feel embarrassed about getting deceived, believing that they should have known better. This may create an emotional burden which further amplifies underreporting. Informing their family members or just reaching out for some help can seem like a mammoth task for them. 

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Existing institutional gaps in our systems compounds this silent suffering. While there are law enforcement and consumer protection agencies in place, but the first step, which is the ‘reporting mechanism’, can seem to be inaccessible or too overbearing for the seniors. These systems may not have a very proactive outreach and can fail to tackle the distinct set of challenges faced by the seniors (such as clear guidance on scams or support for recovering lost funds).  

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This combination of ‘shame, underreporting and weak system support’ creates a dangerous cycle. Senior citizens are left as open prey, exploited and repeatedly targeted without sufficient help or any recognition for their plight. 

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The Way Forward

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Society has to first acknowledge and identify the inimitable vulnerabilities of the seniors. This cycle can be broken by developing information drives that are specially tailored for the seniors. Moreover, along with family involvement, user friendly reporting channels and stronger protections from fraudulent online practices, seniors can see a ray of hope.

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Targeted training programs, senior friendly cybersecurity workshops and courses can be a starting point. Teaching them about password creations, safe browsing tactics, phishing recognition and specific mentor-led sessions can empower them with the basic understanding of the online world. 

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Being able to navigate the digital world with adequate competence and confidence, and without the fear of exploitation, is ultimately what every senior citizen needs. 

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References

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• https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/why-do-scammers-target-older-adults
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12074955/
• https://cybersecurityasia.net/rise-cyber-crime-targeting-older-adults/
• https://news.ufl.edu/2024/06/older-adults-vulnerable-to-scams/
• https://oklaw.org/resource/why-are-older-people-vulnerable-to-scams
• https://www.crimrxiv.com/pub/g7u4rb9v
• https://www.norc.org/research/library/majority-of-older-adults-experience-cyber-abuse-in-their-lifetim.html
• https://www.sbigeneral.in/blog/cyber-insurance/cyber-tips-and-tricks/how-senior-citizens-can-avoid-internet-scams

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