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

## Official definition

**Act, s. 2(p):** (p) “loss” means—
(i) a loss in property or interruption in supply of services, whether temporary or permanent; or
(ii) a loss of opportunity to earn remuneration or greater remuneration or to gain a financial advantage otherwise than by way of legitimate remuneration;


## 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 loss to cover specific types of harm or financial disadvantage. Under the first part of the definition, a loss includes any loss in property. It also covers situations where the supply of services is interrupted. The Act clarifies that this property loss or service interruption counts as a loss regardless of whether the situation is temporary or permanent. The second part of the definition focuses on financial and earning opportunities. A loss occurs if an individual loses the chance to earn money, which the Act calls remuneration, or loses the chance to earn a greater amount of money. Furthermore, the definition includes losing the opportunity to gain a financial advantage in ways other than standard, legitimate earnings. This ensures that missed financial opportunities are officially recognized as a loss under the law.

### Key points

- Loss includes any loss in property or an interruption in the supply of services. [(i)]
- A property loss or service interruption counts as a loss whether it is temporary or permanent. [(i)]
- Loss includes missing out on the opportunity to earn money or to earn a higher amount of money. [(ii)]
- It also covers the lost opportunity to gain a financial advantage outside of standard legitimate earnings. [(ii)]

### Common misreadings

- People might think a loss must be permanent to count, but the Act explicitly includes temporary losses of property or service interruptions.
- People might assume loss only means losing money already possessed, but it also includes the lost opportunity to earn future money or financial advantages.

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

## Used in

- [s. 7 Certain legitimate uses](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-7-certain-legitimate-uses/)
- [s. 33 Penalties](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-33-penalties/)
- [r. 6 Reasonable security safeguards](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-6-reasonable-security-safeguards/)