DPDP Act: Govt open to changes to address press freedom concerns, says Ashwini Vaishnaw

The government is open to suggestions from news organisations on the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and is willing to address concerns over its potential impact on press freedom, MIB Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has been reported as saying by media publications.

“Journalistic freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution, and there is no intention to affect that. Privacy law maintains that freedom which the Constitution guarantees. Right to privacy is defined as a fundamental right by the Supreme Court's judgment, so that has been converted into law by Parliament,” Vaishnaw was quoted.

The minister has also invited editors to share their concerns and recommendations, stating, “Inviting all editors; happy to take on record all suggestions. If there is any doubt, the government is open to acting accordingly.”

Vaishnaw made the remarks a day after the Supreme Court sought the Centre’s response to petitions alleging that provisions of the DPDP Act could infringe upon press freedom and affect the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.

Read more: SC seeks Centre’s response on DPDP row

The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA), one of the petitioners, has argued that the absence of a specific exemption for journalistic activities under the DPDP Act and its accompanying rules could hamper news reporting and investigative journalism.

Vaishnaw said newspapers and television channels had participated in consultations during the drafting of the legislation.

“It was very clearly explained that the DPDP does not impinge on freedom of the press,” he said.

The development comes amid concerns among digital news publishers that the law could affect their ability to report on matters of public interest, particularly where the processing of personal data is integral to investigative reporting.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter next on November 17.