Keeping data in India

# Keeping data in India

Under the Companies (Accounts) Rules, a daily backup of books kept electronically must be held on servers in India. Books must also keep an edit log that cannot be switched off. The product keeps that edit log.

Where the data is

• Desktop apps (Windows and Mac). The company file is kept on the computer you use, in its data folder. Snapshots are kept with it, and each one is encrypted.
• Cloud service. Not offered. Your company file stays on your computer.

What's not built yet

• Daily backups to servers in India. This is in build.
• Backup folders on an Indian server or drive from the desktop apps. This is planned.

Pop Books does not yet meet the daily backup rule for you. Until it does, arrange your own backup in India, and check the rule with your chartered accountant.

What you can do now

1. Keep a copy of the company file and its snapshots on a server or drive in India.
2. Make a backup at least once a day when you use the books.
3. Check each backup opens before you rely on it. See backups-snapshots.
4. Keep the recovery key somewhere other than the backup (see recovery-key).

Retention

Books of account are kept for eight financial years under section 128 of the Companies Act, 2013. Your accountant should confirm this for your company. See record-retention.