The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) by its notification dated May 6, 2026 has initiated the process for operationalising the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) established under Section 18 of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 by inviting applications for appointing the Chairperson and Members of DPBI.

The DPBI has been envisaged as an independent, digital-by-design adjudicatory body responsible for enforcement of the DPDP Act and the DPDP Rules, 2025. The Board will have powers to inquire into personal data breaches and non-compliance, issue remedial directions, and impose monetary penalties under the framework of the Act.

MeitY has invited applications for:

• 1 post of Chairperson
• 4 posts of Members

The notification specifies that applicants must possess expertise or professional experience in areas such as data governance, law, digital economy, ICT, regulation, dispute resolution, or consumer protection. Candidates must also meet senior leadership eligibility criteria, including experience at the level of Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary or equivalent leadership positions in reputed academic/policy/research institutions or body corporates with a paid-up capital of ₹100 crore or turnover of ₹500 crore. The appointments will be for a term of up to two years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

The last date of submission of application is 30 days from the date of employment news notification and separate applications are required in case a person wishes to apply for more than one post.

This development marks an important operational step towards implementation of India's digital data protection framework and the institutionalisation of enforcement mechanisms under the DPDP regime.

For more details, please refer to the notification attached.

data protection