Published Paper Details:

India's digital transformation has accelerated through initiatives such as Digital India, Aadhaar, and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), enhancing connectivity, governance, and financial inclusion. However, this rapid digitalization has also exposed the country to significant cybersecurity threats, privacy concerns, and ethical dilemmas. Cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and government networks have surged, highlighting vulnerabilities in India's cybersecurity framework. Additionally, data privacy remains a major concern, especially with increased surveillance and data collection by both government and private entities. The introduction of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023 aims to regulate data governance, but its implementation and exemptions for government agencies raise concerns about privacy rights. Ethical challenges, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), misinformation, and algorithmic bias, further complicate India's digital landscape. The spread of fake news and deepfakes through social media has influenced public opinion and election processes, necessitating stronger regulatory measures. This paper examines these cybersecurity, privacy, and ethical challenges, analyzing their implications for individuals and national security. By evaluating case studies and recent policy developments, the paper proposes recommendations to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure, enforce data protection laws, and promote ethical AI practices to ensure a secure and responsible digital ecosystem in India.