---
title: "Act: meaning under the DPDP Act"
url: https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/glossary/act/
description: "\"Act\" as defined in rule 2(1)(a) of the DPDP Rules, 2025: the official definition, its plain meaning, and where the term is used."
kind: term
updated: 2026-09-09
official_source: https://www.meity.gov.in/static/uploads/2024/06/2bf1f0e9f04e6fb4f8fef35e82c42aa5.pdf
text_type: official-text-plus-interpretation
publisher: MYND Integrated Solutions
license: Official Government of India texts are reproduced verbatim (public domain / open government data). Interpretation is CC BY 4.0, MYND Integrated Solutions.
disclaimer: Not legal advice. Official text prevails over any interpretation.
html_version: https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/glossary/act/
---
# Act

## Official definition

**Rules, r. 2(1)(a):** (a) “Act” means the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (22 of 2023);


## Interpretation in plain English (not legal advice)

> This is a plain-English interpretation of the official text, prepared by the DPDP Wiki editorial team. It is not the law and not legal advice, and it may be incomplete or wrong. Always rely on the official text of the Act, the Rules and the notifications, and take advice from a qualified professional for your situation.

This provision clarifies that whenever the word Act is used throughout the rules, it refers specifically to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. The number 22 of 2023 is the official legislative number assigned to the law when it was passed. By defining this term upfront, the rules avoid having to repeat the full name of the law every time it is mentioned. This ensures that all readers understand exactly which piece of legislation provides the foundation for these rules.

### Key points

- The term Act refers to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (Rule 2(1)(a)).
- The definition includes the official legislative number, which is 22 of 2023 (Rule 2(1)(a)).

*Interpretation prepared 2026-09-09 from the official text only; the official text prevails.*

## Used in

- [s. 1 Short title and commencement](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-1-short-title-and-commencement/)
- [s. 3 Application of Act](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-3-application-of-act/)
- [s. 4 Grounds for processing personal data](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-4-grounds-for-processing-personal-data/)
- [s. 5 Notice](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-5-notice/)
- [s. 6 Consent](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-6-consent/)
- [s. 7 Certain legitimate uses](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-7-certain-legitimate-uses/)
- [s. 8 General obligations of Data Fiduciary](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-8-general-obligations-of-data-fiduciary/)
- [s. 10 Additional obligations of Significant Data Fiduciary](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-10-additional-obligations-of-significant-data-fiduciary/)
- [s. 11 Right to access information about personal data](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-11-right-to-access-information-about-personal-data/)
- [s. 13 Right of grievance redressal](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-13-right-of-grievance-redressal/)
- [s. 14 Right to nominate](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-14-right-to-nominate/)
- [s. 15 Duties of Data Principal](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-15-duties-of-data-principal/)
- [s. 17 Exemptions](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-17-exemptions/)
- [s. 18 Establishment of Board](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-18-establishment-of-board/)
- [s. 21 Disqualifications for appointment and continuation as Chairperson and Members of Board](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-21-disqualifications-for-appointment-and-continuation-as-chairperson-and-members-of-board/)
- [s. 22 Resignation by Members and filling of vacancy](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-22-resignation-by-members-and-filling-of-vacancy/)
- [s. 23 Proceedings of Board](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-23-proceedings-of-board/)
- [s. 24 Officers and employees of Board](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-24-officers-and-employees-of-board/)
- [s. 25 Members and officers to be public servants](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-25-members-and-officers-to-be-public-servants/)
- [s. 27 Powers and functions of Board](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-27-powers-and-functions-of-board/)
- [s. 28 Procedure to be followed by Board](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-28-procedure-to-be-followed-by-board/)
- [s. 29 Appeal to Appellate Tribunal](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-29-appeal-to-appellate-tribunal/)
- [s. 30 Orders passed by Appellate Tribunal to be executable as decree](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-30-orders-passed-by-appellate-tribunal-to-be-executable-as-decree/)
- [s. 32 Voluntary undertaking](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-32-voluntary-undertaking/)
- [s. 33 Penalties](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-33-penalties/)
- [s. 34 Crediting sums realised by way of penalties to Consolidated Fund of India](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-34-crediting-sums-realised-by-way-of-penalties-to-consolidated-fund-of-india/)
- [s. 35 Protection of action taken in good faith](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-35-protection-of-action-taken-in-good-faith/)
- [s. 36 Power to call for information](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-36-power-to-call-for-information/)
- [s. 37 Power of Central Government to issue directions](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-37-power-of-central-government-to-issue-directions/)
- [s. 38 Consistency with other laws](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-38-consistency-with-other-laws/)
- [s. 39 Bar of jurisdiction](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-39-bar-of-jurisdiction/)
- [s. 40 Power to make rules](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-40-power-to-make-rules/)
- [s. 41 Laying of rules and certain notifications](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-41-laying-of-rules-and-certain-notifications/)
- [s. 42 Power to amend Schedule](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-42-power-to-amend-schedule/)
- [s. 43 Power to remove difficulties](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-43-power-to-remove-difficulties/)
- [s. 44 Amendments to certain Acts](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-44-amendments-to-certain-acts/)
- [r. 3 Notice given by Data Fiduciary to Data Principal](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-3-notice-given-by-data-fiduciary-to-data-principal/)
- [r. 6 Reasonable security safeguards](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-6-reasonable-security-safeguards/)
- [r. 9 Contact information of person to answer questions about processing](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-9-contact-information-of-person-to-answer-questions-about/)
- [r. 10 Verifiable consent for processing of personal data of child](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-10-verifiable-consent-for-processing-of-personal-data-of-child/)
- [r. 11 Verifiable consent for processing of personal data of person with disability who has lawful guardian](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-11-verifiable-consent-for-processing-of-personal-data-of-person/)
- [r. 12 Exemptions from certain obligations applicable to processing of personal data of child](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-12-exemptions-from-certain-obligations-applicable-to-processing/)
- [r. 13 Additional obligations of Significant Data Fiduciary](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-13-additional-obligations-of-significant-data-fiduciary/)
- [r. 14 Rights of Data Principals](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-14-rights-of-data-principals/)
- [r. 15 Transfer of personal data outside the territory of India](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-15-transfer-of-personal-data-outside-the-territory-of-india/)
- [r. 16 Exemption from Act for research, archiving or statistical purposes](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-16-exemption-from-act-for-research-archiving-or-statistical/)
- [r. 17 Appointment of Chairperson and other Members](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-17-appointment-of-chairperson-and-other-members/)
- [r. 19 Procedure for meetings of Board and authentication of its orders, directions and instruments](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-19-procedure-for-meetings-of-board-and-authentication-of-its/)
- [r. 21 Terms and conditions of appointment and service of officers and employees of Board](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-21-terms-and-conditions-of-appointment-and-service-of-officers/)
- [r. 22 Appeal to Appellate Tribunal](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-22-appeal-to-appellate-tribunal/)
- [r. 23 Calling for information from Data Fiduciary or intermediary](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-23-calling-for-information-from-data-fiduciary-or-intermediary/)