Lesson 6.2: Mapping and managing cross-border flows

Module 6 · Lesson 6.2 of 6 · About 30 minutes · Mapping and managing cross border flows

You cannot manage what you cannot see. Map every flow. This DPDPA 2023 course page explains mapping and managing cross border flows in plain language.

mapping and managing cross border flows - DPDPA 2023 course lesson banner

What you will learn about mapping and managing cross border flows

Build a transfer map
Assess vendors
Write transfer clauses

Why mapping matters (mapping and managing cross border flows)

Cloud hosting, SaaS tools, offshore developers and call centres all move data across borders, often without anyone noticing.

Mapping steps

Select a numbered box to read more.

Tap or click a step to see exactly what to do.

Transfer register (mapping and managing cross border flows)

Vendor	Country	Data	Purpose	Contract
Email service	US	Names, emails	Messaging	Yes
Support desk	Philippines	Names, issues	Support	Yes
Analytics	Ireland	Device IDs	Analytics	Yes

Worked example

During mapping, a firm discovers a developer in another country has production database access. They restrict it to masked test data.

Activity (5 minutes) (mapping and managing cross border flows)

Create a transfer register with the five columns above. See How to manage vendors and transfers.

Key takeaway: Remote access from abroad is also a transfer. Include it.

Check your understanding of mapping and managing cross border flows

Q1. A transfer register records:

Q2. Remote access from abroad is:

Q3. Mapping starts with:

← The cross-border transfer rule Exemptions under Section 17(1) →

Educational material for learning purposes, not legal advice. Check the official text of the DPDP Act, 2023, the DPDP Rules, 2025 and MeitY notifications for the latest position.

Official sources for mapping and managing cross border flows: Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 (MeitY, PDF) and DPDP Rules 2025, English text (PDF). Always check the latest official notifications.