Prof. Triveni Singh, Chairperson & Chief Mentor, Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF Academy)
India’s digital and enterprise technology landscape is undergoing a massive transformation in 2025, driven by cutting-edge innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI (GenAI), blockchain, and cybersecurity, alongside stricter regulatory frameworks like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023.
AI, Blockchain, GenAI, and Automation on the Rise
AI and GenAI are reshaping business functions across industries by enabling automation, advanced analytics, and hyper-personalised user experiences. GenAI models are now widely used for generating insights, customer interaction, and content creation. However, the increase in AI deployment has also triggered new risks—such as deepfakes, impersonation fraud, and sophisticated phishing attacks—making ethical and responsible AI governance a top priority. Blockchain is emerging as a game-changer in sectors where data authenticity and traceability are vital. Whether it's healthcare records, financial transactions, or supply chain management, blockchain offers tamper-proof recordkeeping and transaction transparency, improving accountability and reducing fraud.
Data Privacy and the DPDPA Effect
India’s DPDPA, 2023, now enforces strict compliance on data protection, requiring companies to establish consent-based mechanisms, ensure data localisation, and enforce robust data governance. These changes mirror global standards like the EU’s GDPR, compelling Indian enterprises—especially those in BFSI, healthcare, and IT—to overhaul their data management practices.
Cybersecurity and Regulatory Push
Cybersecurity has become a critical business function, with Indian regulators such as CERT-In, RBI, SEBI, and IRDAI mandating comprehensive cyber audit practices, real-time incident reporting, and business continuity planning. Despite this, India lags in Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) preparedness—with only 24% of firms fully equipped to manage advanced cyber threats, as per a 2023 report. Indian organizations are moving towards Zero-Trust architectures, where no device or user is automatically trusted. Combined with AI-powered threat detection and automated incident response systems, these strategies are helping businesses build cyber resilience against over 370 million malware attacks recorded in India in 2024.
Specialised Tech Leadership Roles
In 2025, roles such as CIO, CTO, CISO, and DPO are more distinct and specialized than ever:
◆ CIOs focus on aligning IT with business growth
◆ CTOs lead innovation and tech strategy
◆ CISOs manage cybersecurity and risk
To avoid conflicts of interest, organizations—especially Global Capability Centers (GCCs)—are establishing Privacy Centres of Excellence, with DPO roles separate from IT leadership to strengthen compliance and accountability.
