For a robust data protection regime × While the law seeks to strike a balance between privacy and public good, it vests too much power in the govt The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 is on its way to becoming one of the first comprehensive pieces of legislation on data in the world. It aims to protect the fundamental right of privacy of citizens against excesses by both the State as well as private entities, including the powerful Big Tech companies like Google and Amazon and social media intermediaries such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. This, however, is not the limited purpose of the Bill. The underlying objective of the legislation is transformative as it aims to recognise the value of data in promoting a free and fair digital economy even while keeping personal data of citizens secure and protected.