--- title: "Data Principal: meaning under the DPDP Act" url: https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/glossary/data-principal/ description: "\"Data Principal\" as defined in section 2(j) 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/data-principal/ --- # Data Principal ## Official definition **Act, s. 2(j):** (j) “Data Principal” means the individual to whom the personal data relates and where such individual is— (i) a child, includes the parents or lawful guardian of such a child; (ii) a person with disability, includes her lawful guardian, acting on her behalf; ## 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 term "Data Principal" refers to the specific individual that a piece of personal data is about. Under the law, whenever personal data is collected or processed, the human being connected to that data is recognized as the Data Principal. The law specifically expands this definition for individuals who may need assistance in exercising their legal rights. If the individual is a child, the term Data Principal automatically includes the child's parents or lawful guardian. Similarly, if the individual is a person with a disability, the definition includes their lawful guardian who is acting on their behalf. This structure ensures that parents and legal guardians have the authority to make decisions and act for the individuals they protect. ### Key points - A Data Principal is the individual to whom the personal data relates (Section 2(j)). - For a child, the definition of Data Principal includes the child's parents or lawful guardian (Section 2(j)(i)). - For a person with a disability, the definition includes their lawful guardian acting on their behalf (Section 2(j)(ii)). ### Common misreadings - A reader might assume that a child or a person with a disability is the only Data Principal for their own data, but the law explicitly includes their parents or lawful guardians within the definition itself. *Interpretation prepared 2026-09-09 from the official text only; the official text prevails.* ## Used in - [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. 12 Right to correction and erasure of personal data](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-12-right-to-correction-and-erasure-of-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. 27 Powers and functions of Board](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-27-powers-and-functions-of-board/) - [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. 40 Power to make rules](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-40-power-to-make-rules/) - [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. 4 Registration and obligations of Consent Manager](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-4-registration-and-obligations-of-consent-manager/) - [r. 5 Processing of personal data for provision or issue of subsidy, benefit, service, certificate, licence or permit by State and its instrumentalities](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-5-processing-of-personal-data-for-provision-or-issue-of/) - [r. 7 Intimation of personal data breach](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-7-intimation-of-personal-data-breach/) - [r. 8 Time period for specified purpose to be deemed as no longer being served](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-8-time-period-for-specified-purpose-to-be-deemed-as-no-longer/) - [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. 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. 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/)