MeitY Unveils DEPA Framework Handbook for Secure AI Training Data Sharing

31 Oct 2026, 4:16 pm · 3h ago · 1 min read · YourStoryNew

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released a handbook on the Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) for AI training. Developed alongside the iSPIRT Foundation, the techno-legal framework allows institutions to collaborate on AI model training while retaining proprietary data ownership. IT Secretary S Krishnan launched the guide in Bengaluru alongside Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood, who explained that DEPA allows algorithms to travel to secure data environments rather than moving raw datasets. The initiative establishes data provenance, privacy safeguards, and contractual standards to accelerate Indian AI development without compromising sensitive information.