Know Your Audience: Auto-Industry Can Now Buy Non-Sensitive Vehicle Registration Data; Leaks To Attract Punishment

According to a new government policy, organisations, researchers and other eligible entities can buy bulk data regarding vehicle registrations in the country on an annual basis for a fee, reports The Hindu BusinessLine (BL).

As per the ‘Bulk Data Sharing Policy & Procedure’ that was notified earlier this month (March 2019), this move to share vehicle registration data in a “controlled manner can support the transport and automobile industry.”

“The sharing of data will also help in service improvements and wider benefits to citizens & government,” the policy statement read.

“There have been continuous advances in technology and the range of purposes for which individuals and organisations want access to DL&RC data. There has been a growing demand to share the data for wider benefit,” added the policy.

Entities can buy the driving license (DL) and registration certificate (RC) data for Rs 5 crore from the Ministry of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. However, they would have to undertake strict security steps to prevent theft or transfer.

The policy warns that violation of date security norms will result in action under the IT Act and other applicable laws. Errant agencies could also be debarred from accessing this data for three years.

One Nation, One License

Recently the road transport ministry also notified a common standard format and design for driving licences (DL) and registration certificates (RC) that will be commonly applicable across the country.

Also Read: Obtaining Duplicate Driving Licence A Thing Of The Past: Government Plans To Mandate DL Linking With Aadhaar