DPDPA Compliance for Healthtech Companies
Managing Sensitive Health Data Under Indian Law
"Health data is the most sensitive category. DPDPA treats it accordingly—explicit consent, enhanced security, limited retention."
Healthtech companies process some of the most sensitive personal data categories. DPDPA imposes heightened requirements for health data processing, intersecting with ABDM and telemedicine regulations.
1Health Data Classification
DPDPA does not create a separate "sensitive data" category, but health data processing attracts enhanced scrutiny.
- Health data: Personal data revealing physical/mental health
- Genetic data: DNA/genetic testing results
- Biometric data: Fingerprints, facial recognition, retina scans
- All require explicit, granular consent
- Purpose limitation strictly enforced
2Telemedicine Consent Architecture
Telemedicine consultations involve multiple data processing activities requiring separate consents.
- Consultation: Consent for health data collection
- Prescription: Consent for sharing with pharmacy
- Lab reports: Consent for diagnostic center sharing
- ABDM: Consent for health record linking
- Insurance: Separate consent for claim processing
UX Challenge: Multiple consent captures frustrate patients. Design progressive disclosure consent flows that satisfy legal requirements without abandonment.
Key Takeaways
Health data requires explicit, granular consent
ABDM interoperability requires separate consent layer
Telemedicine involves multiple consent capture points
Retention limits are critical for health data
Medical emergency exception exists under Section 7(d)
Statutory References
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