---
title: "automated: meaning under the DPDP Act"
url: https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/glossary/automated/
description: "\"automated\" as defined in section 2(b) of the DPDP Act, 2023: 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/automated/
---
# automated

## Official definition

**Act, s. 2(b):** (b) “automated” means any digital process capable of operating automatically in response to instructions given or otherwise for the purpose of processing data;


## 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.

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act defines the term automated to mean any digital process that is capable of operating automatically for the purpose of processing data. This means the process must be digital in nature, rather than a physical or manual mechanical action. The definition is drawn broadly to capture a wide range of technology. It specifically notes that the digital process can operate automatically either in response to direct instructions given to it, or otherwise. This ensures that the term covers both systems that require a specific command or trigger to start processing data, as well as systems that run continuously or independently in the background without direct prompts. The core requirement is simply that the digital process has the capability to function automatically to process data. By defining it this way, the law focuses on the nature of the digital process and its purpose, rather than exactly how the process is initiated.

### Key points

- The term refers exclusively to a digital process. (2(b))
- The process must be capable of operating automatically. (2(b))
- The automation can happen in response to instructions given or otherwise. (2(b))
- The ultimate purpose of the digital process must be for processing data. (2(b))

### Common misreadings

- Assuming automated only applies to processes that run completely without human input, when the definition explicitly includes processes operating automatically in response to instructions given.
- Assuming the term covers physical or mechanical automation, when the text specifically limits it to a digital process.

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

## Used in