When you shop in malls or big retail stores, you are often asked to share your mobile number at the billing counter.
Usually, they say the bill will be sent to this number or it is needed for a loyalty program. But this can be risky, as your number may get leaked.
To address this issue, the government is planning to make rules that will stop stores from forcing customers to share their mobile numbers.
New Data Protection Rules in India
Soon, new data protection rules will be implemented in India under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.
These rules will make it difficult for retail stores to demand mobile numbers.
Till now, customers often had to say their mobile numbers loudly at the counter, which increased the risk of leaks.
Under the new law, companies must ensure data security. If they fail, it will be considered a violation.
Customers’ consent has to be explicit (clearly given), not implied.
Customers Must Be Informed
Experts say that even small steps like entering numbers on a keypad instead of saying them aloud can protect privacy. According to the new law:
Customers must be told why their data is being collected, how long it will be stored, and when it will be deleted.
Retailers cannot deny services if you choose not to give your mobile number, except in necessary cases like mobile recharge or Digi Yatra verification.
Stores will also have to provide alternatives such as email receipts or printed copies.
Visitor Management Systems Also Included
The rules will not be limited to big retail stores only. They will also apply to visitor management systems in offices and housing societies, where mobile numbers are often collected.
Such systems must clearly explain the purpose of collecting numbers.
They must guarantee that customer data will not be reused, sold, or shared with third parties.
Housing societies and offices will also need to adopt secure systems for handling visitor data.
