India’s GCCs Can Drive Data Privacy Innovation, Compliance: EY
28 Apr 2025 / 03 min read
Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India can play a pivotal role in driving data privacy innovation and compliance for multinational corporations, according to a report by EY.
Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India can play a pivotal role in driving data privacy innovation and compliance for multinational corporations, according to a report by EY.
The report highlights the importance of establishing Privacy Centres of Excellence (CoEs) within GCCs to ensure data privacy compliance with evolving global data protection regulations. These CoEs can assist in conducting key activities through AI-driven privacy solutions, fostering innovation and digital trust.
India houses over 1,700 GCCs, employing 1.9 million professionals, making it a critical node in global business operations. Yet, fewer than 10% of GCCs currently focus on privacy-related functions. In an environment of increasing regulatory complexity, this presents a significant opportunity.
“India’s law and technology graduates provide a 40% to 70% cost advantage, enabling companies to invest in privacy automation without compromising quality,” the report notes. By setting up Privacy CoEs in India, MNCs can centralize privacy operations, standardize frameworks across jurisdictions, and shift from reactive to proactive compliance.
The report cites examples of global companies that have already established Privacy CoEs in India, including a global bank that streamlined privacy assessments and third-party governance, reducing regulatory risk and improving data stewardship.
India’s cybersecurity landscape, with over 79 million cyberattacks recorded in 2023, underscores the need for robust data protection mechanisms. The Indian cybersecurity job market is expected to reach INR 28,000 Crore by the end of 2025, providing a strong foundation for businesses seeking to enhance their privacy and security functions.
EY identifies three pillars that make India an attractive location for establishing Privacy CoEs: a robust regulatory landscape, skilled legal and tech workforce, and cost-efficiency and scalability. By establishing Privacy CoEs in India, organizations can gain a clear advantage in regulatory readiness and customer trust, making privacy a catalyst for innovation, not a roadblock.
