---
title: "DPDP Act Chapter I: Preliminary | dpdpr.in"
description: "Chapter I of the DPDP Act 2023, Preliminary: the sections it contains, each with a plain-English summary."
url: "https://dpdpr.in/act/chapter-1/"
canonical: "https://dpdpr.in/act/chapter-1/"
site: "dpdpr.in"
updated: "2026-11-02"
disclaimer: "Independent reference, not legal advice. Not affiliated with the Government of India or MeitY."
---

# Chapter I: Preliminary

DPDP Act, 2023 · sections 1 to 3

1. [Section 1 Short title and commencement](https://dpdpr.in/act/section-1/)

This section gives the law its name: the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

2. [Section 2 Definitions](https://dpdpr.in/act/section-2/)

This section explains the key words used in the Act, such as Data Principal, Data Fiduciary, personal data and consent manager.

3. [Section 3 Application of Act](https://dpdpr.in/act/section-3/)

The Act covers personal data in digital form in India.