Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday said the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act does not infringe on press freedom, while inviting editors and media organisations to discuss their concerns with the government.
Vaishnaw said the government had no intention of restricting journalistic work and was open to suggestions to address apprehensions about the law, which is set to come into force in phases.
“Journalistic freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution. That freedom is absolutely available. There is not even an intention to affect journalistic freedom,” the minister said.
His remarks come amid concerns from news publishers that the data protection framework could complicate investigative reporting, particularly stories involving personal information, public officials and matters of public interest.
Government Open to Amendments
Vaishnaw said the DPDP Act was introduced following the Supreme Court’s recognition of privacy as a fundamental right in its 2017 judgment in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India.
He said Parliament had subsequently given legislative shape to the principles arising from the judgment and that the framework had been developed after more than a year of consultations involving newspapers, television channels, media representatives and industry stakeholders.
The minister reiterated that the law was intended to protect personal data without undermining constitutionally guaranteed press freedom.
According to reports, a senior government source also indicated that the government was open to amending the law to explicitly safeguard journalistic activities if necessary.
“If hardcoding is required, we can hardcode it; it only requires an amendment,” the source said, adding that concerns could be discussed and addressed through Parliament.
Why News Publishers Have Raised Concerns
The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA), which represents 21 news publishers, has challenged provisions of the DPDP Act, 2023, and the rules notified in November 2025 before the Supreme Court.
A key concern relates to Section 44(3) of the Act, which amended Section 8(1)(j) of the Right to Information Act, 2005. The amendment changed the provision governing the disclosure of personal information under the RTI framework.
The association has argued that removing the earlier public interest safeguard for personal information could restrict access to records relevant to public accountability.
News publishers have also raised concerns that the law does not provide a specific exemption for journalism. They argue that applying the data protection framework to investigative reporting could create difficulties when journalists collect or retain personal information without consent to investigate alleged corruption, corporate wrongdoing or misconduct by public officials.
The concerns also extend to the protection of confidential sources and the retention of information needed to substantiate investigative reports.
The government, however, maintains that the legislation does not undermine freedom of the press.
DPDP Rules to Come Into Force in Phases
The DPDP Rules were notified by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on November 13, 2025. Some provisions, including those relating to the establishment and functioning of the Data Protection Board, took effect upon notification.
Other key provisions were given a one year implementation window, with the next phase scheduled to take effect on November 13, 2026.
The timing has intensified debate over how the law will affect newsrooms and their ability to report on matters involving personal data.
The Supreme Court is hearing the DNPA’s challenge to the legislation and its rules. The case raises questions about how the right to privacy can be balanced with the public interest in investigative journalism and access to information.
Vaishnaw has urged editors and media professionals to engage directly with the government, saying it is willing to consider suggestions to address their concerns.
