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

## Official definition

**Act, s. 2(r):** (r) “notification” means a notification published in the Official Gazette and the expressions “notify” and “notified” shall be construed accordingly;


## 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 "notification" to mean a formal announcement that is published in the Official Gazette. The Official Gazette serves as the official public journal of the government. Whenever the Act mentions that a rule, date, or requirement will be established by notification, it means the government must officially publish it in this journal for it to take effect. This ensures that there is a single, official public record for all formal actions taken under the law. The definition also explicitly applies to related words used throughout the text of the Act. Specifically, the words "notify" and "notified" carry the exact same requirement. If the law states that the Central Government will "notify" a specific standard, or that a certain category of Data Fiduciary (a person or entity that determines the purpose and means of processing personal data) is "notified," it means that the action is only completed through publication in the Official Gazette. This prevents confusion about whether an informal announcement or press release counts as a legal notification under the Act.

### Key points

- A "notification" under the Act means an announcement published in the Official Gazette. (Section 2(r))
- The related terms "notify" and "notified" carry the exact same requirement of publication in the Official Gazette. (Section 2(r))

### Common misreadings

- Assuming that a press release, website update, or informal announcement counts as being "notified" under the Act, when the text strictly requires publication in the Official Gazette.

*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. 5 Notice](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-5-notice/)
- [s. 9 Processing of personal data of children](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-9-processing-of-personal-data-of-children/)
- [s. 16 Processing of personal data outside India](https://dpdp.myndsolution.com/wiki/act/section-16-processing-of-personal-data-outside-india/)
- [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. 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/)