Vaishnaw says DPDP Act does not curb press freedom; publishers challenge it

What's new

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday that the Digital Personal Data Protection Act does not infringe press freedom. He made the remark a day after a publishers' body moved the Supreme Court against the law. The Digital News Publishers Association, which represents 21 news publishers, challenged the 2023 Act and the 2025 Rules. It says the law has no specific exemption for journalism. The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response and listed the matter for 17 November. It has not ruled on the merits.

Why it matters

The association warns that reporters may need consent to handle personal data, which could slow investigations into officials, companies or individuals. Readers should watch how the court treats press work and access to information, since any change could affect the news they receive.

What others say

The Hindu reported Vaishnaw's remarks, quoting him as saying there is not even an intention to affect journalistic freedom. Scroll.in noted that the petition calls the law a threat to journalists, citizens, whistleblowers and RTI activists.

What we don't know yet

The court has not decided whether the law's provisions are valid. The sources do not say how the Centre will respond in court or what changes, if any, the government will make after talks with editors.