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

## Official definition

**Act, s. 2(q):** (q) “Member” means a Member of the Board and includes the Chairperson;


## 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, 2023 defines the term "Member" to mean a Member of the Board. The Board is the regulatory body referenced throughout the law. By defining the term in this straightforward way, the text creates a standard shorthand to refer to the individuals who make up this body. The definition explicitly states that the Chairperson of the Board is included in the meaning of a "Member." This ensures that whenever the Act mentions rules, powers, or conditions applying to a "Member," those provisions automatically apply to the Chairperson as well. While the Chairperson holds a distinct title, this definition confirms they are fundamentally treated as a Member of the Board under the law.

### Key points

- The term "Member" refers to an individual serving on the Board (Section 2(q)).
- The definition expressly includes the Chairperson of the Board as a Member (Section 2(q)).

### Common misreadings

- Assuming that the Chairperson is entirely separate from the regular Members of the Board, when the definition explicitly includes the Chairperson as a Member.

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

## Used in

- [s. 19 Composition and qualifications for appointment of Chairperson and Members](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-19-composition-and-qualifications-for-appointment-of-chairperson-and-members/)
- [s. 20 Salary, allowances payable to and term of office](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-20-salary-allowances-payable-to-and-term-of-office/)
- [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. 25 Members and officers to be public servants](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-25-members-and-officers-to-be-public-servants/)
- [s. 26 Powers of Chairperson](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-26-powers-of-chairperson/)
- [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. 40 Power to make rules](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-40-power-to-make-rules/)
- [r. 17 Appointment of Chairperson and other Members](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-17-appointment-of-chairperson-and-other-members/)
- [r. 18 Salary, allowances and other terms and conditions of service of Chairperson and other Members](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/rules/rule-18-salary-allowances-and-other-terms-and-conditions-of-service/)
- [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/)