Section 37: Power of Central Government to issue directions

Section 37 is a strong enforcement tool for repeated offenders: • Trigger: A Data Fiduciary has been penalized by the Board TWO or more times. • Board Recommendation: The Board advises the government that blocking access is in the public interest. • Government Power: The Central Government can direct blocking of information generated, transmitted, received, stored, or hosted by the Data Fiduciary. • Hearing Requirement: The Data Fiduciary must be given an opportunity to be heard. • Intermediary Obligation: Every intermediary receiving such a direction must comply. • Definitions: 'Computer resource,' 'information,' and 'intermediary' have the same meanings as in the IT Act, 2000. This is a severe remedy aimed at protecting the public from habitual violators.