E-commerce policy draft pushes for data protection; Chinese firms on radar

E-consumer courts to be developed to battle grievances

Protection of consumer data stands out as the dominant theme of the much-awaited e-commerce draft report released on Saturday. Prepared by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) along with a clutch of other ministries, the draft has granted the industry a three-year window for making a shift to the local data storage requirements. 

Aiming to step up onshore digital commerce, the report also hints at regulating Chinese e-commerce apps. Ruling out the need for a new regulator, the draft, which will be finalised after consultations with stakeholders, has recognised the standing group of secretaries on e-commerce as