Indian Firms Face High Data-Compliance Costs

New Delhi-based Esya Centre surveyed 300 firms across tier 1 and 2 cities and found 85% expect data verification to consume a significant portion of turnover, with nearly 30% saying compliance costs will exceed 10% of revenue. The study found over 75% of AI-training firms depend on publicly available personal data, 80% expect verification to be challenging, and 62% are unaware the DPDP Act excludes 'legitimate interest' and 'contractual necessity'.